Portsmouth, Ohio – On the evening of June 2, 2023, an 81-year-old man was assaulted and found lying on the sidewalk in the 600 block of 2nd St. The incident prompted a swift response from officers of the Portsmouth Police Department and Portsmouth Fire/EMS, who arrived at the scene at approximately 8:41 p.m.
Upon arrival, the officers discovered the injured victim and promptly transported him to SOMC for medical treatment. The victim underwent surgery for his injuries. Following the incident, the Portsmouth Police Investigation Division initiated an inquiry, which revealed that three individuals associated with the Portsmouth Motorcycle Club were responsible for the assault.
According to the investigation, the three suspects targeted the victim as he exited a local food establishment. Security footage clearly captures one of the suspects approaching the victim and forcefully knocking him to the ground. Subsequently, the suspects callously left the injured victim lying on the street.
The case was presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury, resulting in indictments for the three suspects. Justin White, aged 37, and Timothy Clifford, aged 51, both residents of Portsmouth, Ohio, were arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s office on June 28, 2023. However, the attempted arrest of Robert Lunsford, aged 37 and from McDermott, Ohio, was unsuccessful.
White and Clifford were charged with Felony Obstruction of Justice. Lunsford (who remains at large at this time) is charged with: Felonious Assault Felony 2, Aggravated Assault Felony 4, and Obstructing Justice Felony 5.
The Portsmouth Police Department and the U.S. Marshal’s Office are seeking public assistance in locating Robert J. Lunsford. Anyone with information regarding Lunsford’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Portsmouth Police Department at 740-353-4101 or their local law enforcement agency. Lunsford may be operating a black 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle, a black 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle, or a silver 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.
Detective Lee Bower can be reached at 740-354-1600 for individuals with additional information about this case. The authorities say they are committed to resolving this assault and bringing justice on behalf of the victim.
