David Thoroughman, Scioto County Sheriff, reported that the 9-1-1 Communication Center received a distressing call from Kings Daughters Hospital. The hospital reported treating an assault victim in their emergency room.
According to Sheriff Thoroughman, the victim disclosed that she had been involved in an altercation with her boyfriend the previous night. During the argument, the suspect, identified as Eric Keith White, age 46, allegedly used a ball bat to strike the victim multiple times all over her body. The victim suffered a broken bone, lacerations, bruises, and various injuries.
Detectives acted swiftly, obtaining a search warrant for White’s residence at 1571 Swauger Valley Road, Portsmouth, Ohio. Deputies and detectives promptly responded to the location and successfully detained the suspect without incident. The search yielded the baseball bat used in the assault, as well as other related items and drugs.
White has been charged with Felonious Assault, a felony of the 2nd degree, and he also faces a parole violation. He is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
White has an extensive history with the Scioto County Jail System. He has been arrested more than 29 times. Those charges include at least 5 Parole Violations. He’s also been charged with manufacturing drugs on 2 occasions, Burglary, Grand Theft, Breaking and Entering, OVI, and a warrant out of another county.
Sheriff Thoroughman emphasized that this remains an ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be presented to the grand jury at a later date.
The authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective John Cart at 740-354-7327.
