TOLEDO, Ohio — For years, residents near Dorr Street and Detroit Avenue in Toledo have been dealing with escalating issues related to their neighbor, Paul A. Chiles. Allegations of harassment, threats, and disturbing behavior have plagued the neighborhood, leading to mounting concerns over the safety and well-being of those living nearby. It was later revealed that Chiles was residing in a house deemed unfit for human habitation, one that had been scheduled for demolition as far back as 2022.
The situation came to a head in September 2024 when Toledo police conducted surveillance on Chiles’ home following numerous calls from residents reporting troubling behavior. Neighbors said that Chiles had been repeatedly showing up at their houses late at night, banging on windows and doors, and even breaking windows. One neighbor reported that Chiles had used a broom handle to kick and hit their house. Over a span of just a few weeks, police responded to at least 25 calls for service related to Chiles’ actions.
The tension in the neighborhood escalated further when residents reported finding yellow shopping bags scattered across the area. According to multiple sources, these bags contained human feces and urine. It was not clear where Chiles had gone after the incidents, but by the spring of 2024, the yellow bags had disappeared, and many neighbors hoped that this marked the end of their troubles.
In response to the growing unrest, Toledo police arrested Chiles in September 2024 after observing his behavior during a stakeout. He was charged with a range of offenses, including aggravated trespass, falsification, criminal trespass, and possession of criminal tools. Following his arrest, Chiles was booked into jail, where he remained until his release on Dec. 2, 2024. A local judge placed Chiles on one year of active probation, mandating that he undergo assessment and treatment, with a strict order of no contact with the victim.
But the situation didn’t end with his arrest. It was revealed that Chiles had been living in a property located on the 1200 block of Detroit Avenue, a house that had been marked for demolition as part of a city initiative. The home had been added to the demolition list in 2022, with plans to tear it down in 2024. However, when city demolition crews arrived in April 2024, they found that the home was still occupied. Pre-demolition work was immediately halted as officials from the city’s Code Compliance department began working to connect Chiles with the appropriate resources.
“We are focused on the safety and well-being of the individual involved,” said a spokesperson for the city. “Once we’re able to support the tenant’s transition, we’ll move forward with the steps needed to safely demolish the house.”
While residents have expressed relief at Chiles’ arrest and the resolution of some of the neighborhood disturbances, many are still uncertain about his whereabouts. Nearis Parker, a local resident, expressed empathy for Chiles, despite the distress he had caused to the community. “He’s still a human being, and you should be concerned about him,” Parker said.
The city has labeled the house as unfit for human habitation, and demolition plans remain on hold as they work to find a solution for Chiles’ housing situation. Local officials are coordinating efforts to ensure that he receives the support and treatment he needs to transition from the unsafe conditions he’s been living in.
As the neighborhood awaits clarity on Chiles’ future, residents are left to reflect on the complexity of the situation. This case serves as a reminder of the intersection between mental health, housing instability, and criminal behavior, and the ongoing challenge for communities to address these issues in a compassionate yet effective manner.