Portsmouth man arrested for attempted murder of deputy sheriff – The Tribune

PORTSMOUTH – A Portsmouth man was sentenced to prison after he shot a Scioto County sheriff's deputy Saturday, fled his home and was eventually tracked down and arrested in a baseball stadium restroom.

The case began after 911 dispatch received a call at 10:41 p.m. Saturday. The caller said he was connected via Facetime to someone who claimed his stepfather had threatened him with a firearm.

Officers responded to 53 Liberty Avenue in Portsmouth. As an officer attempted to contact residents inside, he was shot, but was able to radio 911 to notify them that he had been shot.

The deputy, Ben Vance, was transported by helicopter to Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus, where he was treated and released. He requires ongoing medical treatment for his injuries.

Porter Township EMS was dispatched, as were officers and SWAT teams from the Portsmouth Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and New Boston Police Department.

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said they were told the suspect may have escaped through the back door of the building, but it was not certain.

With the help of a drone, an attempt was made to clear the house and search for the suspect.

The drone was able to search most of the house, but the SWAT team had to enter to clear the rest of the house. The suspect could not be found inside the house.

Thoroughman said information was received that the suspect had contacted a person and asked for help in escaping the area.

The suspect was supposed to meet the person at the Wheelersburg baseball field on Dogwood Ridge, near the Marathon Convenient Mart.

Officers established surveillance in the area at the same time the SWAT team cleared the suspect's home.

Officers were told the suspect was armed with an AR-style weapon with multiple magazines, a .45 caliber pistol, and a 9mm pistol.

Officers conducting surveillance saw a person emerge from a line of trees and remain in the shadows. He entered the stadium from behind and continued to remain in the shadows.

The area was secured and the SWAT team attempted to locate the suspect using a drone and thermal imaging cameras. This was unsuccessful and a manual survey of the area had to be performed.

The suspect was found in a toilet and persuaded to surrender with the help of a negotiator.

Michael Bishop, 39, of 53 Liberty Ave., Portsmouth, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree intentional murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, three counts of third-degree possession of a weapon while disabled, third-degree tampering with evidence, third-degree panicking and fifth-degree obstruction of official business.

Bishop is being held in the Scioto County Jail.

Thoroughman said it is still an ongoing investigation and that additional charges may arise at a later date.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.