09/29/2026
I am going to attempt an unbiased investigation into this and hopefully will be able to answer some questions for everyone.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2026
On Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at approximately 8:31 p.m., the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatch Center received a call from a female who reported that a male individual had broken into her residence on State Route 248 in Long Bottom. The female caller advised deputies that the individual had made comments to her that someone was on their way to kill her.
Deputies responded to the area and, upon arrival, were unable to locate the male suspect. Deputies subsequently received information from a neighboring resident that the male was located across the street.
Deputies approached the male, at which time he fled on foot, resulting in a foot pursuit. Deputies were able to catch up with the male, who immediately began physically fighting with deputies. During the struggle, the male kicked, punched and bit deputies.
A Taser was deployed in an attempt to gain control of the male; however, the Taser had no apparent effect. During the struggle, the male gained possession of the Taser at which time a Deputy was able to successfully wrestle it away from the subject.
Deputies continued their efforts to gain control of the male and were eventually able to secure him in handcuffs and leg restraints due to his continued physical resistance and kicking.
After the restraints had been applied and prior to the male being placed into a patrol cruiser, Deputies noticed that the male had suddenly became unconscious. Deputies immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures.
Meigs County EMS and the Chester Fire Department were requested to respond to the scene. Upon their arrival, EMS and fire personnel took over lifesaving measures from the deputies.
Meigs County EMS transported the male to Holzer-Meigs Emergency Department, where lifesaving measures continued. Shortly thereafter, the individual was pronounced deceased.
Sheriff Scott Fitch responded to Holzer-Meigs Emergency Department, where the Meigs County Coroner’s Office was contacted. Sheriff Fitch requested that a forensic autopsy be conducted. The individual's body was subsequently transported to Montgomery County for an autopsy.
Prior to leaving the emergency department, Sheriff Fitch contacted the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), as is standard procedure in an in-custody death, and requested an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
On Monday, September 28th, 2026, the Meigs County Sheriff's Office received a preliminary report from the Montgomery County Coroner's Office. The preliminary report indicated there was no evidence of wounds, bruising, trauma or other injuries to the individual and no apparent cause of death was identified.
The Montgomery County Coroner's Office is awaiting the results of toxicology testing before determining an official cause of death. Toxicology testing typically takes approximately six to eight weeks.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Meigs County Sheriff's Office will continue to cooperate fully with BCI and the Coroner's Office as those investigations are completed.
No further information regarding the individual's identity or the ongoing investigations will be released at this time.
