Man Barricades Self at Work

By MICHAEL SCHULER For the News-Register


BELLAIRE — A man who refused to leave the Belmont County Salvation Army building on 37th Street had to be arrested by force after he allegedly tried to flee from police, jumping from an awning and injuring a Belmont County Sheriff’s Office canine Monday.

According to police, Richard D. Litten, 51, with a listed address of 115 E. Church St., Barnesville, had been staying at the Salvation Army where he had been working on a probationary basis as a night manager and cook.

Police received a call around 5:30 p.m. from Capt. Ray Harrison of the Salvation Army who reported Litten refused to turn over his keys and leave the building after he was discharged as an employee.

Officer Jamie Morgan responded to the scene and Litten allegedly would not cooperate and gave false names. A short time later, another Bellaire Police officer, Jason Weekly, arrived at the Salvation Army. Litten proceeded to go upstairs and barricaded himself in a room by locking the door and putting dressers against it.

Police said Litten was then informed that he was under arrest and physically kicked the door in while police from Bridgeport, Martins Ferry, Shadyside and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office were called to assist.

After officers were able to partially open the door, Morgan then used a Taser to try to apprehend the suspect, which was not fully effective. Litten then locked himself in the bathroom. As officers made entry into that room, Litten was attempting to jump from a window and onto an awning. Officers, along with Belmont County canine Max tried to stop him, but he was able to make the jump from the window to the awning and then to the ground.

Officers then went outside and Max again engaged Litten; stopping him for officers to apprehend him. Max was reportedly injured in the process and was later transported to New Horizons Animal Hospital by his handler, Deputy Steve Curfman.

Police reported Litten continued to resist arrest after being apprehended and had to be forced into the police cruiser before he was transported to the Belmont County Jail. He was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and assault on a police dog.