Portsmouth, OH — Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman reported a dramatic turn of events on Saturday night, September 14, 2024, involving an attempted murder of a deputy. The incident unfolded around 10:41 PM when a caller contacted 911 to report a threatening situation. According to the caller, who was on FaceTime with the suspect, the individual’s stepfather had threatened them with a firearm.
Deputies were dispatched to 53 Liberty Avenue in Portsmouth, Ohio. As they approached the residence, a male suspect opened fire on one of the deputies. The injured deputy immediately reported the shooting via his portable radio. Emergency services, including Porter Township EMS, Portsmouth Police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and New Boston Police, were quickly dispatched to the scene.
Initial information suggested that the suspect might have fled through the rear of the house. A drone was deployed to search the property, but a thorough search by the SWAT team was needed to fully clear the residence. Despite these efforts, the suspect was not found inside the house.
Authorities received further intelligence indicating that the suspect was seeking assistance to flee the area and was expected to meet someone at the Wheelersburg ballfield on Dogwood Ridge, near the Marathon Convenient Mart. Deputies set up surveillance in the area while the SWAT team continued clearing the suspect’s home.
The suspect, identified as Michael Bishop, 39, of 53 Liberty Ave., was believed to be armed with multiple weapons, including an AR-style rifle, a .45 caliber handgun, and a 9 mm handgun. Surveillance teams observed an individual emerging from the tree line and entering the ballpark while staying hidden. Despite attempts to locate him using drones and thermal imaging, a manual search was necessary. Bishop was eventually found hiding in a restroom. Negotiators were able to convince him to surrender without further incident.
Bishop has been charged with multiple offenses, including Attempted Murder, Felonious Assault (two counts), Having Weapons Under Disability (three counts), Tampering with Evidence, Inducing Panic, and Obstructing Official Business. He is being held at the Scioto County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Deputy Ben Vance, who was Life Flighted to Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus, has been treated and released but will require additional medical treatment. Sheriff Thoroughman is requesting the community’s prayers for Deputy Vance’s recovery.
Sheriff Thoroughman expressed his gratitude to the Portsmouth Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, New Boston Police Department, and Porter Township Fire and Rescue for their assistance. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed as the case develops.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
