Man tells police he broke out store windows because he was being chased

A New Miami man is behind bars facing felony charges for allegedly damaging two Hamilton business during the early morning hours of June 4.

Police were called to the 200 block of Main Street about 3:40 a.m. when a business alarm was sounded.

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The witnesses said they heard glass breaking at Main Street Quick Mart as well as Main Street Vinyl, according to the police report.

A wooden object had been thrown through one storefront, according to the report.

Michael Steven Steinmetz was located by police on South Second Street wearing the same clothing described by the witnesses.

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Steinmetz told officers he broke out the windows to get attention because “he was being chased through the streets of Hamilton from east to west by males trying to hurt him,” according to the report.

While being booked, officers said Steinmetz admitted to smoking methamphetamine.

Steinmetz, 28, of New Miami, is charged with two counts of vandalism, a fifth-degree felony.

He remains housed in the Butler County Jail. A hearing in Hamilton Municipal Court has been scheduled for this week.

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About the Author

Lauren Pack

Lauren Pack, a native of the Miami Valley, has been on staff at the Journal-News since 1994 reporting on courts and crime.