Deadly Night In Scioto County with nearly 100 volunteers activated in every corner of the region.
During a holiday weekend, it is common for there to be an uptick in the need for emergency responders. Saturday evening started out as a typical holiday weekend with traffic enforcement, some disturbance calls, and possible drug activity. Then, around 7 pm, things began to take a turn. This is just a summary of the heartbreaking stories and “all hands on deck” approach from emergency personnel.
Deadly wreck in South Webster
While searching for a reported intoxicated driver, OSP located a fatal crash on State Route 140 in South Webster. The initial investigation revealed that Arnold Queen II, 42-years-old, of Wheelersburg, crossed the center line and struck a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle occupied by Steven L. Cahal, 51-years-old, and Lorena Cahal, 50-years-old, both of South Point, Ohio.
Mrs. Cahal was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Mr. Cahal was flown from the scene to Cabell-Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia. Sadly, Mr. Cahal later succumbed to his injuries.
Queen was charged with 2 counts of aggravated vehicular homicide.
Body Discovered in Wayne Hills (Kendall Heights)
An anonymous call was received by the Portsmouth Police Department. The caller stated that there were several people standing outside an apartment in Wayne Hills looking into the apartment but nobody seemed to be calling for help. When the police arrived, they found the door to be opened and discovered a body. The area was taped off with crime scene tape and detectives were notified. Later, the crime scene area was widened as investigators continued their work.
The family has been notified, but we are unable to release the name due to the ongoing investigation. The Ohio BCI team arrived to assist shortly before midnight.
Later, the body was identified as Derick R. Holsinger, 33, of West Portsmouth. Holsinger is believed to be the victim of a homicide. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Portsmouth Police at 740-354-1600 and speak with Det. Lee Bower.
Rarden, Rush, Union, and Morgan all respond to a large house fire.
All occupants made it out safely. Due to the location of the home, the logistics were difficult.
Green, Porter, and Lawerence County respond to the wreck of 2 motorcycles
This wreck occurred on County Rd 1 near Braunlin Rd. Air Evac was called in to transport from the football field.
Two of the victims were transported by EMS to Cabell Huntington. The third was flown also to Cabell Huntington.
Their current conditions are unknown at this time.
Washington and Nile responded to a call. Washington requested AirEvac for a reported 4-wheeler wreck.
Both helicopters were activated, so the patient was transported to SOMC by Portsmouth Amubalnce for initial treatment.
After an assessment, the male was transported via helicopter to Grant and is said to be listed in critical condition. The female was transported by ground to the Trauma Unit of Grant and is also in very serious condition.
The importance of Volunteer Fire Fighters and EMT’s
All of these calls happened in just a 4-hour period. During the same time, calls came in for a car fire, an OD, a disturbance, and several traffic incidents. This amount of coverage is crucial to the safety of the County. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about 70 percent of America’s firefighters are volunteers. Also in the smallest communities (those with fewer than 10,000 residents) are almost always served by volunteer departments,
If you would like to be a volunteer, you can find out more and start your journey HERE.