Portsmouth man charged with attempted murder of Scioto County deputy
A Portsmouth man has been arrested on multiple charges, including attempted murder and felonious assault, after allegedly shooting a Scioto County Sheriff’s deputy, as announced by Sheriff David Thoroughman Monday.
Thoroughman reported that his 911 communication center received a call Saturday, Sept. 14 around 10:41 p.m., from a caller stating they were on a video call with a subject. The caller advised that the subject’s stepdad threatened the subject with a firearm.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that deputies responded to Liberty Avenue in Portsmouth. A deputy attempted to contact the residents inside, and it is alleged that a male subject 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.
Sheriff Thoroughman advised that deputies were told that 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.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that information was received that the suspect had allegedly contacted an individual asking for their assistance in fleeing the area. The suspect was to meet the individual at the Wheelersburg ballfield on Dogwood Ridge. Deputies set up surveillance in that area, as this was occurring at the same time SWAT was clearing the suspect’s house.
Deputies were advised that the suspect was allegedly armed with an AR-style weapon with multiple magazines, a .45 caliber handgun as well as a .9 mm handgun.
The deputies who were conducting the surveillance did observe 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 had to be completed. The suspect was located in a restroom and a negotiator was used to talk him into surrendering.
Arrested was Michael Bishop, 39, of Portsmouth. Bishop has been charged with attempted murder, a felony of the first degree; two counts of felonious assault, a felony of the second degree; three counts of having weapons under disability, a felony of the third degree; tampering with evidence, a felony of the third degree; inducing panic, a felony of the fourth degree, and obstructing official business, a felony of the fifth degree.
The deputy was Life Flighted to the Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus, where he was treated and released.
“He will require further medical treatment for his injuries, and I am asking for your prayers for his healing,” Thoroughman said.
Sheriff Thoroughman would like to thank 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.
This is still an ongoing investigation that could result in more charges at a later date. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
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