BAINBRIDGE, OH – A routine warrant service in Ross County escalated into a pursuit through rural roads and wooded terrain on February 11, 2025, leading to the arrest of Ricky Manuel, a fugitive wanted on multiple warrants across Ohio.
According to the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Brandon Stanley, Deputy Trennton Morgan, and Deputy Brayden Woodbridge arrived at a residence in Bainbridge to execute a warrant on Manuel. A background check revealed he was wanted by multiple agencies, including Ross, Pike, and Jackson counties, for charges ranging from failure to comply and felony theft to failure to appear on traffic-related offenses. Additionally, his criminal history included felonious assault, domestic violence, and weapons charges, with warnings that he was armed and dangerous.
Slow-Speed Pursuit Through Rural Roads
Upon arrival, deputies found Manuel in the driver’s seat of a red 1994 Toyota 4Runner pulling a wooden trailer. As Deputy Morgan identified Manuel, the fugitive attempted to flee, accelerating through the front yard and onto Harris Station Road, refusing to stop for law enforcement. Deputies pursued Manuel at speeds not exceeding 30 miles per hour as he maneuvered through properties and back onto Pritchard Lane, eventually driving into a wooded area where his trailer jackknifed. The vehicle collided with a tree, forcing Manuel to flee on foot.
Foot Pursuit and Arrest
Following footprints in the snow, deputies tracked Manuel through the woods for approximately 12 minutes before locating him hiding behind a tree. Deputy Stanley ordered him to surrender at gunpoint, and Manuel eventually complied, lying on the ground and allowing deputies to place him in handcuffs.
During a search incident to arrest, deputies discovered a small plastic baggie containing a crystal-like substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, in Manuel’s pocket. He was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he was booked on his outstanding warrants.
Possible Firearm Involvement
During the booking process, deputies found an empty holster on Manuel. When questioned, he claimed it was for a hatchet, but deputies expressed concern that he may have discarded a firearm during the pursuit. Despite a search of the area, no weapon was found.
The suspected methamphetamine and vehicle keys were placed into evidence for further investigation. Additional charges may be filed pending lab results.
