Why destroyed scarecrows are sparking debate over where inmates are released

RAVENNA, Ohio — A Ravenna council member is calling for change and criticizing the Portage County Sheriff’s Office for the practice of releasing inmates overnight in downtown Ravenna.

Councilwoman Amy Michael said one woman, who was dropped off by jail staff, took the clothes off the decorative scarecrows so she could stay warm overnight.

“I feel like it’s inhumane and I feel like you can’t do that to anyone. Would you do that to your own family members?” Michael said.

Body camera video released by the Ravenna Police Department shows officers confronting the woman holding the clothing outside Guido’s Pizza.

One officer asked, “Why are they destroying things here? Why are they taking down all the scarecrows and stuff?”

The 44-year-old Akron woman responded, “I don’t know.”

According to a police report, the woman said she was in jail for violating her probation.

She told officers that jail staff dropped her off at the Portage County Courthouse around 7 p.m. Monday. The woman indicated she only had $2 in her wallet and no cell phone.

Michael said the buses weren’t running at the time. She believes the woman was unable to arrange a ride home, so she tore off the scarecrow’s clothes to keep warm during the night.

“The temperature was 43 degrees that night and it was very cold for her,” Michael said. “You’re setting these people up to fail when they come out because she didn’t have anything to keep her warm.”

The councilwoman said the Portage County Sheriff’s Office’s practice of dropping off released inmates in the heart of the city has been in place for years.

She has no problem with it during the day as long as people have resources. However, Michael has a problem with late-night deliveries, when those just back on the streets may not be able to get the help or transportation they need.

“We have had situations that have arisen that we consider to have been inhumane,” Michael said.

Mindy Leonard, manager of Guido’s, believes a better system needs to be implemented.

“I think for the safety of the city and each individual that is dropped off at the scene they should have some type of recourse,” Leonard said.

Ravenna police did not charge the woman who destroyed the scarecrows and drove her to Akron Tuesday morning.

Michael hopes the incident will lead to a change in when and where released inmates stay in the city.

“This last incident was really where we felt, okay, enough is enough,” he said.

News 5 stopped by the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and left several messages with jail officials and command staff, including Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski. As of Friday night there was no response.