ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A tense situation unfolded on June 13 when local deputies, assisted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, responded to reports of a male suspect pointing a firearm at passing motorists on Route 23 near Scioto Trails.
According to the sheriff’s office, incident began when dispatch received multiple 911 calls about a male in dark clothing walking near the highway and brandishing a firearm. The Ohio State Highway Patrol relayed that the suspect was last seen near the southbound lanes of Route 23 and Blain Highway.
Upon arrival, a State Highway Patrol trooper and a deputy found the suspect, whose name was redacted by the sheriff’s office, seated on a concrete slab by the southbound lanes, matching the description provided.
Despite repeated commands, the suspect allegedly failed to comply, lowering his hands several times before claiming he was “deaf and blind.”
Deputies said in their report that they managed to separate the individual from several bags he had with him, eventually securing him in wrist restraints. The deputy reported that he recognized him from two prior encounters that same day, where the man had been reported as a “suspicious person” but had committed no crime warranting detention. During those earlier interactions, the man had declined offers of assistance.
A search of the suspect by the State Trooper revealed only a pair of broken scissors. The suspect claimed he had been pointing a “finger gun” at passing cars to make them slow down. The suspect also disclosed that he was schizophrenic and made alarming statements about potentially harming others.
According to the report, further investigation revealed the suspect had recently been released from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. No actual firearms were found in his possession.
The suspect was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for mental health evaluation and assistance.