What started as a bizarre bike ride ended in handcuffs, pepper spray, and felony charges after an intoxicated man went on a wild and combative rant at a public park.
Three people flagged down a Scioto County deputy along River Road in Wheelersburg to report that a man on a bicycle was harassing them. Deputies tracked the suspect down at the gazebo near Gallia Pike Park—where things quickly spiraled out of control.
The man, later identified as Joshua Arroyo, initially refused to give his name. When he finally handed over an Indiana license, he told deputies he was having suicidal thoughts—but also warned them he’d fight if they tried to put him in an ambulance.
🚑 Deputies called for medics, but when Arroyo was loaded into the squad, he completely unraveled:
🔴 Banged his head against the glass
🧼 Spat directly into an officer’s face
🌶️ Got a dose of pepper spray in return
At that point, deputies said jail was the safest option—for everyone.
Arroyo, now facing aggravated menacing and assault charges, was booked into the Scioto County Jail and is due in court for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.
😡 Harassment. 😵💫 Suicidal threats. 🤬 Spitting at cops.
This isn’t just bad behavior—it’s a public safety nightmare.
🚨 REMEMBER: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, help is out there—before it turns into a criminal case. Deputies did the right thing by calling EMS. But when safety’s at risk, the law takes the handlebars.
