A quiet stretch of Swauger Valley Road turned into a crime scene early Saturday morning after multiple 911 callers reported gunshots ringing out in the dark.
According to Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, the calls started coming in around 2:41 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, reporting shots fired in the area of 5124 Swauger Valley Road.
When deputies arrived, they found multiple people and multiple firearms at the scene. A detective was called in to process evidence and begin an investigation. One individual was transported to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment of a possible gunshot wound and was later released.
Two Arrested, Serious Charges Filed
As the investigation unfolded, two men were taken into custody:
- William Durham, 26, of 5124 Swauger Valley Road, Portsmouth
- Jabez Stephen Durham, 28, of 102 Washington Blvd., West Portsmouth
Both men are charged with Felonious Assault, a second-degree felony, and are being held on $20,000 bond each. They are scheduled to appear Monday, January 5, 2026, in Portsmouth Municipal Court.
Sheriff David Thoroughman also thanked the Ohio State Highway Patrol for assisting at the scene.
Not Their First Run-In With the Law
Court records show this wasn’t the first encounter with law enforcement for either suspect.
Jabez Durham was convicted of assault in 2019, receiving a suspended 60-day jail sentence and a suspended fine. His prior arrests include theft, carrying a concealed weapon, obstruction of official business, and driving without a license.
William Durham has previously faced charges including having a firearm in a motor vehicle, OVI, and menacing.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities say the case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Donald Tackett-Dye at 740-351-1091.
As deputies continue piecing together what sparked the early-morning gunfire, neighbors are left wondering how close this came to becoming far worse.
