3 people arrested after reported assault in Scioto County

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman states that his 9-1-1 communication center received a call on Sunday, Aug. 13 at 11:16 p.m. The caller advised that there had been a fight and that they had just heard gunshots in the area of Mathiott Street in Portsmouth.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that upon deputies’ arrival, they contacted detectives to respond and continue the investigation. The investigation revealed that two males had allegedly assaulted a 15-year-old juvenile in the area of South Preston Street, Portsmouth. The juvenile was later treated at Southern Ohio Medical Center for a broken bone and other injuries.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that the two suspects from the original assault call told detectives that two males in a vehicle allegedly pulled up making threats toward them. The subjects in the vehicle then allegedly stuck a gun out of the vehicle window and began shooting toward the house. One of the bullets struck a nearby vehicle parked in the yard.

Detectives interviewed several witnesses and suspects, which resulted in the suspect from the shooting being detained without incident. The shooting suspect was located and detained at his residence located in Portsmouth. The firearm allegedly used in the shooting was recovered.

Arrested was James Keith Phillips, 35, of Portsmouth. Phillips has been charged with improperly discharging a firearm at or in a habitation, a felony of the second degree; discharging a firearm near a prohibited premise, a felony of the third degree; and felonious assault, a felony of the second degree.

Also arrested was Jordan Huffman, 22, of New Boston. Huffman has been charged with felonious assault, a felony of the second degree.

Hagen Metzler, 22, of Wheelersburg, has also been charged with felonious assault, a felony of the second degree. Both are being held on a $20,000 bond.

This is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.