FREMONT, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A 68-year-old man from Tiffin, Ronald E. Callahan, was arrested on Thursday afternoon on charges of attempted importuning following a confrontation at a Fremont restaurant that garnered significant attention on social media.
The Fremont Police Department reported the arrest, which occurred around 5 p.m. after Callahan was taken into custody in Tiffin.
He faces charges of attempted importuning under Ohio Revised Code 2923.02 and 2907.07(D)(2).
Callahan operates a photography business, Ron’s Photography Studio, which he describes as a Christian photography venture in the Tiffin area.
The incident that led to Callahan’s arrest transpired on the evening of March 11 at Denny’s, located at 1750 Cedar Street in Fremont.
Members of the vigilante group Dads Against Predators (D.A.P.) confronted him inside the restaurant, alleging that he had been communicating online with a decoy posing as a 14-year-old boy and had arranged to meet in person.
Videos released by D.A.P. captured the confrontation both inside the restaurant and outside, as Fremont police later escorted Callahan away from the scene.
Fremont Police Chief Derek Wensinger confirmed that his department, along with Sandusky County detectives, conducted an investigation that led to the arrest.
Callahan is currently undergoing processing within the judicial system.
In response to the incident, Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez issued a statement on Wednesday, indicating that he has been collaborating with city and county prosecutors to determine the appropriate charges.