PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — Authorities in Pike County are searching for a person of interest in the suspected homicide of a local man.
On Thursday, reports say, 42-year-old Deric Lansing was found deceased at a residence in the 5000 block of route 220 in Waverly. A firearm owned by Lansing, officials said, was also missing from a gun holster he was wearing. A family member told the Guardian, “He looked like he had been in a fight when they found him.” Officials have not released the cause of death, citing an ongoing investigation and autopsy.
A silver, two-door, 2013 Kia Forte with handicap license plate number 643ZEF was also stolen from the scene. It was last seen at the McDonald’s drive-thru in Waverly at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning.
Sheriff Tracy Evans says, Charles Jeffrey Meddock, 50, is wanted for questioning in Lansing’s death. He is described as a white male, 5′ 10″ and 250lbs.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts or the vehicle should contact their local law enforcement agency.
The Sheriff’s Office said Meddock is considered armed and dangerous.
Story updated to include new information from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.