Why destroyed scarecrows lead to a debate about where prisoners are released

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

Counselor Amy Michael said one woman, who was dropped off by prison staff, took her 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 anybody. Would you do that to your family members?” Michael said.

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

An officer asked, “Why are you destroying things here?

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

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

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

Michael said the buses were not running at the time. She believes the woman was unable to make arrangements for a ride home, so she tore the clothes off the scarecrow to store overnight.

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

The councilwoman said the Portage County Sheriff’s Office’s practice of releasing inmates in the heart of the city has been going on for years.

She has no problem with it during the day, as long as people have resources. However, Michael has a problem with the night drops – when those who have just returned to the streets – may not be able to get the help or transport they need.

“We’ve had situations come up that we feel are inhumane,” Michael said.

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

“I think for the safety of the city and every individual left, they should have some sort of resource,” Leonard said.

Ravenna police have not charged the woman who destroyed the scarecrows and drove them to Akron Tuesday morning.

Michael hopes the incident will change when and where released inmates are dropped off in the city.

“This last incident was really where I felt, ok, enough is enough,” he said.

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