A tense early-morning 911 call about shots fired in McDermott ended with a 22-year-old man behind bars — and investigators now say his dramatic claims of shooting an intruder were completely unfounded.
According to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, deputies were dispatched just after 6 a.m. Sunday, February 8, to Pollock Road after a neighbor reported a man firing a gun in the roadway.
By the time deputies arrived, a nearby resident had already stepped in — taking the firearm away from the man and bringing him inside the home in an effort to calm him down.
The suspect told deputies he had just shot someone who was trying to break into his house and claimed the victim was “by the pond.”
Because of that statement, detectives were called to the scene to begin a full investigation.
🚨 No Victim Found
After searching the property, investigators found no evidence that anyone had been shot or that anyone else had even been on the property. Deputies also located video evidence capturing parts of the incident.
Authorities say the man was under the influence of drugs at the time.
Detectives later uncovered a troubling social media post made before the gunfire, in which the suspect allegedly threatened to shoot up his stepfather’s house following a verbal argument.
Arrest and Charges
Kyle D. Mays, 22, of McDermott, was arrested and charged with:
- Having Weapons While Under Disability (F3)
- Discharging a Firearm Near a Prohibited Area (Roadway) (F2)
- Two counts of Improperly Discharging a Firearm at or into a Habitation (F2)
Mays is currently being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $70,000 bond. He appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 12.
Sheriff Thoroughman says the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could still be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
🚔 A Long Criminal Record at Just 22
Court records show this is far from Mays’ first encounter with law enforcement.
His history includes:
- 2021: Convicted of assault, escape, and vandalism — sentenced to 90 days in jail
- February 2022: Convicted of menacing — received a suspended 30-day jail sentence
- March 2022: Convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm — sentenced to five years probation
- September 2022: Convicted of failure to comply — sentenced to three years in jail followed by probation
- October 2025: Convicted of driving without a license
Additional charges from 2022 — including reckless operation, failure to control, speeding, and failure to comply — were later dismissed.
A Dangerous Situation That Could Have Ended Much Worse
Deputies say this case highlights just how quickly drug use, firearms, and online threats can combine into a potentially deadly situation — especially when shots are fired near homes and roadways.
Thanks to quick action by neighbors and first responders, no one was injured.
But authorities warn that firing weapons during domestic disputes or while under the influence puts entire neighborhoods at risk.
SCDN will continue following this case and will provide updates as court proceedings move forward.
