HILLIARD, Ohio (WSYX) — A Hilliard man faces multiple charges after allegedly threatening to murder a police officer following a hit-and-run incident on Cemetery Road Thursday afternoon.
According to police, Grant Wachtelhausen, 38, was involved in the crash and was recorded acting erratically on street cameras. Officers reported that he left the scene in a Jeep before they could make contact, but they later located him by phone.
“During the phone calls, he began threatening officers, stating he would hunt them down and make derogatory remarks,” said Hilliard Police Lt. Tyler Harris.
Franklin County Municipal Court documents indicate Wachtelhausen threatened to kill one officer during the conversation. The situation escalated when police attempted to arrest Wachtelhausen in front of his home.
As officers struggled to gain control, Wachtelhausen allegedly spat at a backup officer and claimed to have an STD. Body camera footage captured him repeatedly stating, “I have herpes,” to which the officer responded, “Ok, so now you are getting charged for spitting.”
Hilliard police have requested medical testing for Wachtelhausen, and the officer involved has shown no signs of illness.
“This case highlights the challenges of policing,” Harris stated. “For it to evolve into what it did is just wild.”
Wachtelhausen has pleaded not guilty to various charges, including harassment involving an inmate. He is currently out on bond and scheduled to appear in court later this week.