LUCASVILLE, Ohio — Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide reported on Monday, at a residence on Millers Run Fallen Timber Road, Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced Wednesday.
James Paul Ruggles, 33, a homeless individual, faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, aggravated arson, felonious assault, murder, arson, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business. Ruggles was apprehended Tuesday afternoon inside a Portsmouth business following an intensive investigation by the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s 911 communication center received a call at 9:40 p.m. on September 1 from an individual who discovered an unresponsive person, believed to be deceased, while checking on a friend at 218 Millers Run Fallen Timber Road. Sheriff’s detectives identified Ruggles as a person of interest the following day and located him at 3:23 p.m. in Portsmouth. He was detained, questioned, and subsequently charged.
Ruggles is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday. Sheriff Thoroughman noted that the investigation remains active, with additional charges expected to be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury at a later date.
The sheriff’s office has not released the victim’s identity or further details about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.