Celina man, sought in the beating of his wife, is captured in Allen County

A 43-year-old Celina fugitive wanted in the beating of his wife has been apprehended in Allen County, Celina Police Chief Tom Wale said.

Mitchell Dale Mullins was found today (Monday), hiding in a brush pile about 100 yards from Southworth Road in Delphos, Wale said.

HOW MULLINS BECAME A FUGITIVE

Mullins was named the suspect in the beating of 38-year-old Jessica Mullins, who was found badly injured at their home on North Enterprise Street on Jan. 18.

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According to the investigation, he "suddenly and without provocation brutally attacked" his wife as the the family was working on a puzzle. He hit her with closed fists. Once she was on the ground, he kicked her until she was unconscious, according to police.

He also is accused of holding her down and dragging her around during the attack. He then left.

Jessica Mullins was taken by ambulance to a hospital suffering from serious head injuries.

Until Monday, Mitch Mullins was last seen driving a white Chevrolet Suburban. Police issued a BOLO for him, warning the public to steer clear of him because he was believed to be dangerous and was known to act impulsively and violently toward anyone.

HOW AUTHORITIES FOUND MULLINS

Monday, Celina police detectives and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office developed information of the man's whereabouts.

Celina Detective Steve Yoder located a white van owned Jessica Mullins and kept it under surveillance. He followed it several miles, waiting for back up.

Mitch Mullins fled from the van in the area of Southworth Road in Allen County. Police from Celina, Delphos and Spencerville along with deputies from Allen, Auglaize and Mercer counties and the Grand Lake Drug Task Force set up a perimeter. An Allen County Sheriff’s K-9 deputy located Mullins.

THE CHARGES AGAINST MULLINS

Felony domestic violence charges have been filed against Mullins.

Mercer County Prosecutor Matthew K. Fox is reviewing the case for possible additional charges.

He is on parole from prison and has been wanted by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority as a result of the January incident.

We will update this developing report as we learn more.

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