BAINBRIDGE, Ohio — A Ross County fugitive led sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit Tuesday evening before crashing into a tree and attempting to flee into the woods. Deputies arrested Ricky Manuel, a wanted man with multiple warrants across several Ohio counties, after an extensive foot chase through the snow-covered terrain.
Manuel Wanted for Multiple Offenses
Deputies with the Ross County Sheriff’s Office initiated the warrant service for Manuel on February 11, knowing he was wanted on multiple active warrants, including:
• Failure to comply – Ross County Sheriff’s Office
• Felony theft – Pike County Sheriff’s Office
• Failure to appear on a traffic offense – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
• Failure to appear on a driving under suspension charge – Chillicothe Police Department
Additionally, Manuel had a violent criminal history, including felonious assault, domestic violence, carrying concealed weapons, and resisting arrest. Records flagged him as armed and dangerous with a known history of violent tendencies.
Slow-Speed Pursuit Through Bainbridge
Upon arriving at the residence in Bainbridge, deputies spotted Manuel sitting in the driver’s seat of a red 1994 Toyota 4Runner pulling a wooden trailer. As deputies attempted to approach, Manuel fled, maneuvering his vehicle through the front yard and onto Harris Station Road, heading north.
Despite efforts to stop the vehicle, Manuel continued evading deputies, never exceeding 30 mph, navigating rural roads and driveways in an attempt to escape. He eventually turned onto a wooded trail off Pritchard Lane, where he lost control of the vehicle. The trailer jackknifed, forcing the 4Runner to crash head-on into a tree, immobilizing the vehicle.
Fleeing on Foot and Capture
After crashing, Manuel abandoned the vehicle and ran into the woods. Deputies pursued him, tracking his footprints in the snow for nearly 12 minutes before spotting him hiding behind a tree.
Deputies ordered him to show his hands and surrender, at which point Manuel initially hesitated but ultimately complied. After securing him in handcuffs, deputies escorted him back to the road, where he was searched before being transported to the Ross County Jail.
Suspected Drugs Found
During the search incident to arrest, deputies discovered a small cylindrical container in Manuel’s pocket. Inside was a small plastic baggie containing a white crystal-like substance, suspected to be methamphetamine. The suspected drugs were seized and sent for testing.
Concerns Over Possible Firearm
Upon arrival at the jail, deputies noted an empty pistol holster on Manuel’s person. When asked if he discarded a weapon during his escape, Manuel claimed the holster was for a hatchet, though deputies remained skeptical. A subsequent search of the woods did not uncover a firearm.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Manuel was booked into the Ross County Jail and served with his outstanding warrants. Additional charges may be filed pending lab results from the suspected drugs.
Authorities continue to investigate whether Manuel may have discarded a firearm during the pursuit, given his history of weapons-related offenses. Deputies are also reviewing body camera footage from the incident as part of the ongoing case.
Anyone with further information on the case is encouraged to contact the Ross County Sheriff’s Office.