What started as a call for help ended with the caller himself sitting in the Scioto County Jail.
Deputies say the chain of events began when Zachary Hutchinson dialed 911, reporting that a man had come onto his property, assaulted him, and then fled the scene in a red pickup headed toward Wheelersburg. To make matters worse, a second caller chimed in, saying they’d heard shots fired in the area.
Authorities immediately went on high alert, believing they had an armed suspect on the loose. Deputies were told the alleged attacker was possibly drunk and making his way toward South Webster. EMS was dispatched to treat Hutchinson, but medics determined his injuries weren’t serious enough for a hospital run.
Here’s where the story twisted: instead of simply chasing down the supposed assailant, deputies uncovered more about the situation — and ended up slapping handcuffs on Hutchinson himself.
He was arrested on a domestic violence charge and booked into the county jail. Portsmouth Municipal Court later released him on his own recognizance but issued a protection order against him. He’ll be back in court on September 22 to face the judge.
⚠️ Lessons From the Call That Backfired
This case is a textbook example of how domestic situations can spiral out of control. What begins as a fight can quickly bring in police, medics, and even the courts.
💡 Tips for Stopping Domestic Drama Before It Explodes
- Walk Away Before It Gets Physical – tempers flare, but once hands are thrown, police are coming.
- Call for Mediation – many communities have crisis hotlines and mediators who can help de-escalate fights before they become criminal.
- Don’t Mix Alcohol with Arguments – intoxication almost always makes bad situations worse.
- Know When to Call 911 – if you feel unsafe, call immediately. But don’t expect to control how police handle it once they arrive.
👉 The real twist? The man who picked up the phone to report a crime wound up being the one led away in cuffs. A cautionary tale that when it comes to domestic disputes, you may not walk away as the victim — even if you’re the one who called.