Father of 2 run over and ‘dragged’ after saving woman from being strangled by ex-boyfriend at gas station, who hopped in his F-150 and brutally mowed the dad down: Police

A 49-year-old Ohio father, remembered by loved ones as a hero, lost his life after stepping in to protect a woman who was allegedly being strangled by her ex-boyfriend at a gas station. Authorities say the suspect responded by getting into his Ford F-150 pickup truck and deliberately running the man over before dragging him across the parking lot.

The victim, Billy Grooms, suffered catastrophic injuries during the May 31 incident in Hillsboro, Ohio. After several days on life support, he died from those injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a community praising his selfless actions.

Violence Erupts at Hillsboro Gas Station

According to court records and police affidavits, the incident unfolded shortly after 2:30 a.m. at a gas station on South High Street in Hillsboro.

Investigators say 22-year-old Javen Meadows arrived at the gas station in a Ford F-150. Court documents indicate that Meadows allegedly struck another vehicle while parking before approaching a woman near the pumps. Authorities allege that he grabbed the woman by the neck, strangled her, and threw her to the ground. Witnesses and court records further state that he kicked her and continued the attack as she tried to recover.

Alleged Attack on Woman Intensifies

Police records indicate that after throwing the woman to the ground, Meadows continued assaulting her. When she managed to get back up, he allegedly took her cellphone, threw it away, and punched her back to the ground.

Investigators believe Meadows had followed his ex-girlfriend to the gas station before the confrontation. Authorities have not publicly clarified whether the woman who was assaulted was the same ex-girlfriend referenced in court documents.

Billy Grooms Steps In to Help

Billy Grooms was at the gas station with his son when he witnessed the alleged assault. Family members say he immediately recognized the danger and decided to intervene.

According to Grooms’ sister-in-law, Angela Osborn, he approached the suspect and told him to let the woman go. Those who knew Grooms said his actions reflected the compassionate person he had always been.

His wife, Amy Grooms, later described him as someone who genuinely cared about other people and would not stand by while someone was being hurt.

Family Says He Acted Without Hesitation

Relatives say Grooms did not know the woman being attacked. Despite that, he stepped into a dangerous situation in an effort to stop the violence.

His family believes he acted instinctively because protecting others was part of his character. What happened next would prove fatal.

Suspect Allegedly Uses Pickup Truck as a Weapon

After Grooms intervened, police say Meadows returned to his Ford F-150.

According to witnesses and family members, Meadows then drove directly toward Grooms. Amy Grooms said the truck struck her husband and dragged him. Authorities allege that the pickup ran over the father as he attempted to help the woman.

Severe Injuries Leave Family Hoping for Recovery

The impact caused devastating injuries. Grooms suffered multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. Emergency responders rushed him to a hospital, where he remained in critical condition.

Doctors fought to save him, and his family held onto hope that the swelling in his brain could be controlled. However, his condition continued to deteriorate in the days following the attack.

Life Support Removed After Condition Worsens

Despite medical efforts, Grooms’ injuries proved too severe.

Family members said he was ultimately taken off life support on June 4 after doctors determined there was little chance of recovery. His death transformed the case from a brutal assault investigation into a potential homicide matter.

Community Mourns a Hero

News of Grooms’ death spread quickly throughout Hillsboro and beyond. Friends, relatives, and strangers praised his courage and willingness to risk his own safety for someone he had never met.

Many described him as a hero whose final actions reflected extraordinary bravery and compassion.

Woman Says Grooms Saved Her Life

The woman at the center of the assault later publicly thanked Grooms for intervening.

In a statement reported by local media, she said she believed his actions saved her life. She described him as a hero and said she would carry gratitude for his sacrifice forever.

Her comments reinforced what Grooms’ family had been saying since the tragedy—that he gave his life while protecting another person from serious harm.

Charges Filed Against Suspect

Authorities arrested Javen Meadows following the incident.

Court records show he has been charged with strangulation and assault related to the attack on the woman. Police say Meadows fled the gas station after the confrontation and was later located in the New Market area.

Additional Charges Still Possible

As of the latest reports, Meadows had not yet been formally charged in connection with Grooms’ death. However, Hillsboro police indicated that additional charges were pending as investigators continued reviewing the evidence and circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Final Gift Through Organ Donation

Even after his death, Grooms continued helping others.

Family members revealed that he became an organ donor, allowing several people to receive life-saving transplants. Before the donation process, hospital staff and loved ones participated in an honor walk recognizing his final act of generosity.

Relatives said it was fitting that someone who died while saving another person would continue saving lives through organ donation.

Family Faces Life Without Husband and Father

Grooms leaves behind his wife, children, and extended family, who continue to mourn his loss.

A fundraising campaign was created to assist with medical bills, funeral expenses, and financial support for the family. Loved ones have repeatedly emphasized that his death came while performing a selfless act that likely prevented an even greater tragedy.

Investigation Continues

The Hillsboro Police Department continues investigating the case while prosecutors review potential additional charges.

What is already clear, according to investigators, witnesses, and the woman he saved, is that Billy Grooms lost his life after stepping between an alleged attacker and a vulnerable victim. His actions have left a lasting impression on the community, which remembers him not as a bystander, but as a man who chose to act when someone desperately needed help.