A call claiming an unprovoked assault took a sharp turn after deputies spoke with witnesses and the alleged suspect, ultimately determining the fight appeared to be mutual combat, not a one-sided attack.
Just before 7 p.m., a Lucasville caller contacted 911 claiming he had been attacked on Big Run Road, saying his face was “busted up” and insisting he didn’t know what started the fight. The caller told dispatch the other party was still at a nearby Big Run Road address and that there were no known weapons involved.
Story Changes on Scene
A deputy with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office made contact with the alleged suspect and witness and heard a very different version of events.
According to the deputy’s report:
- The reporting party came onto the property
- He was cussing and confrontational
- He took a fighting stance, prompting the altercation
The suspect admitted he struck the man in the face twice.
After consulting with another deputy, officers agreed the situation appeared to be mutual combat, meaning both parties willingly engaged in the fight.
Why That Matters
In Ohio, mutual combat can significantly affect how—or if—charges are filed. When both parties contribute to the escalation and willingly fight, deputies often have limited grounds for arrest, especially if neither party wishes to pursue charges and no serious injuries or weapons are involved.
❓ From Victim to Participant
What began as a report of an unexplained assault ended with a very different conclusion: this wasn’t a random attack—it was a fight both sides stepped into.
Deputies documented the incident, but the case serves as another reminder that how a story starts isn’t always how it ends once witnesses and facts come into play.
