The Portsmouth man who shot a Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputy Saturday night tried to run, but he didn’t get far after authorities launched an all-out manhunt to track him down.
It all started just before 11 pm on Saturday night when a caller said Michael Bishop, 39, had threatened them with a gun during a Facetime chat.
When deputies headed to Liberty Avenue to see what was happening, officials say Bishop immediately shot and wounded Deputy Ben Vance. Vance called for help on the radio, and Porter Township EMS, PPD, OSP, and NBPD rushed to the scene to back him up.
Witnesses told the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office they thought Bishop had fled out the back door, but Portsmouth SWAT used a drone to check most of the house before sending in a team to clear it.
Officers soon learned that Bishop had contacted people asking for help in the running from police and planned to meet up with them at the ball fields on Dogwood Ridge. Deputies set up surveillance to wait for the man they’d been advised was armed with multiple weapons.
Officers soon spotted a man in the tree line who was attempting to hide in the shadows as he entered the ballpark. After a search of the area, they found him in a restroom, and a negotiator talked Bishop into surrendering.
Officers charged Bishop with attempted murder, felonious assault, having weapons under a disability, tampering with evidence, inducing panic, and obstructing official business. He’s due in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday morning.
An air ambulance transported Deputy Vance to a Columbus hospital, where he was treated and released. Sheriff Thoroughman said he will “require further medical treatment for his injuries and I am asking for your prayers for his healing.”
The investigation continues, and more charges could be filed.