A Franklin Furnace man faces an aggravated attempted murder charge after Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman says he tried to drown a deputy during a police pursuit on Monday evening.
SCDN broke the story and gave you live updated coverage of the pursuit that started around 6 pm when a property owner asked officers to look for squatters at a Big Doney Road Address.
When deputies got to the scene, they found one man by the pond and a man and woman inside the bedroom of the home. According to law enforcement, 28-year-old Richard “Peck” Turner, who seemed to be under the influence, took off from the deputy wearing only his underwear.
Turner jumped into the pond and said, “You can’t Tase me now; I’m in the water.” When a deputy pursued him into the pond, Turner struggled with the deputy and prevented him from using his radio. He then got the deputy in a headlock and dragged him underwater. The deputy was treated at SOMC.
Sheriff Thoroughman says the deputy blacked out and nearly drowned. Turned took off, leading to a manhunt that lasted several hours until Turner returned to the home and found officers waiting to take him into custody.
Hear the harrowing incident and quick response.
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Officers arrested Turner, who listed his address as homeless on charges of attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder, felonious assault on an officer, breaking and entering, and failure to appear on warrants for domestic violence and resisting arrest.
Also arrested was Tamera Clifton, 30, of Minford, who officers say is believed to be Turner’s girlfriend. She’s charged with breaking and entering, as is 39-year-old Birdine Cole.
This is Turner’s 10th visit to the Scioto County Jail. Previous arrests include warrants from Lawrence County, grand theft auto, petty theft, fugitive from justice in Kentucky, possession of drug abuse instruments, receiving stolen property, drug possession, and failure to wear a seatbelt.
SCDN spoke to Blaine C. Duduit, Chief Deputy exclusively to ask about the current condition of the deputy. He said they are not ready to officially identify the deputy but he had been released from the hospital and was recovering at home.
Squatting is an epidemic in the county with property owners in town and in the country reporting an endless stream of people moving into homes, trailers, or just setting up camp on their property without permission.