In a recent incident during video arraignments at the jail, an inmate’s refusal to comply resulted in a violent confrontation with deputies. Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman reported that on Thursday, August 31, 2023, deputies were trying to remove an inmate from the video arraignment room, but the inmate resisted their commands. As the situation escalated, the inmate assaulted both deputies by punching them in the face.
The deputies sustained injuries that included a broken nose, lacerations, hand injuries, and potential concussions. The injured deputies were taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment and later released.
Sheriff Thoroughman emphasized that the incident prompted an investigation by detectives. Interviews were conducted, and evidence was collected both at the jail and the hospital. The investigation led to additional charges being filed against the inmate in question.
The inmate has been identified as Michael A. Swords, 42, from Greenup, Ky. Swords is facing two counts of Felonious Assault on a Police Officer, a felony of the 1st degree.
These charges are in addition to the previous charges he was already facing, including Burglary, Tampering with Evidence, Theft of Firearms, Having Weapons Under Disability, Breaking & Entering, Grand Theft Auto, Theft, and Making a False Report. Swords is currently being held in the Scioto County jail with a bond of $160,000. He is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Friday, September 1, 2023, for the new charges.