A Scioto County Deputy Sheriff is was shot in the line of duty this weekend by a Portsmouth man. The suspect is now charged with, among other felonies, attempted murder.
Deputy Ben Vance was flown to The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, where he was treated and has been released. He will still require additional medical treatment, according to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman.
David Thoroughman said the 911 communication center received a call around 10:41 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, from a caller stating they were on Facetime with a subject. The caller advised the subject’s stepdad threatened the subject with a firearm.
Thoroughman stated deputies responded to 53 Liberty Ave. Portsmouth. The deputy attempted to contact the residents inside and a male immediately shot the deputy. The deputy notified dispatch via his portable radio that he had been shot. Porter Township EMS was dispatched as well as additional law enforcement, to include the Portsmouth Police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and New Boston Police.
Thoroughman said they were told the suspect may have fled out the rear of the residence, but that was not certain. A drone was used in an attempt to clear the residence, checking for the suspect. The drone was able to check most of the residence however, the SWAT Team did have to enter to clear the rest of the house. The suspect was not located in the house.
Thoroughman information was received that the suspect had contacted someone asking for their assistance in fleeing the area. The suspect was to meet that individual at the Wheelersburg ballfield on Dogwood Ridge, near the Marathon Convenient Mart. Deputies setup surveillance in that area, this was occurring at the same time SWAT was clearing the suspect’s house. Deputies were advised the suspect was armed with an AR-style weapon with multiple magazines, a .45 caliber handgun as well as a .9 mm handgun.
The deputies conducting the surveillance saw an individual coming from a tree line, staying in the shadows. The individual entered the ballpark from the rear and continued to stay in the shadows. The area was secured and SWAT attempted to locate the suspect using a drone and thermal imaging. That was unsuccessful and a manual check of the field was completed. The suspect was found in a restroom and a negotiator was used to talk him into surrendering.
Arrested was Michael Bishop, 39, of 53 Liberty Ave., Portsmouth. Bishop has been charged with attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault, three counts of having weapons under disability, tampering with evidence, inducing panic, and obstructing official business.
Bishop is being held in the Scioto County Jail and appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court Monday, Sept. 16. He was jailed on a $250,000 bond.
Meanwhile, the sheriff asks prayers for Vance’s continued healing.
Also involved in the arrest were the Portsmouth Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the New Boston Police Department, and the Porter Township Fire and Rescue for their assistance with this incident.
Thoroughman said the incident is still under investigation and could result in more charges at a later date. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel at (740)351-1091.
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