VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — A tense standoff unfolded in Vinton County on September 26, 2024, when law enforcement responded to reports of a man making suicidal threats while armed inside a camper.
Deputies from the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Route 50 at approximately 5:09 PM, where they encountered Forrest Hunt, who had allegedly fired shots prior to their arrival. Upon reaching the scene, deputies learned from Hunt’s spouse about his volatile situation. Efforts were made to ensure her safety as officers attempted to establish contact with him.
The situation escalated when Hunt opened fire on the deputies, prompting one officer to return fire while taking cover behind their vehicle. With the Ohio State Highway Patrol arriving on the scene, Hunt continued firing in their direction. After roughly twenty minutes of negotiation via loudspeaker, Hunt surrendered without further incident. He was taken into custody and transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
The case remains under investigation and will be forwarded to the Vinton County Prosecutor’s Office.
