Franklin Furnace man arrested after armed standoff

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman reports that on July 10 at approximately 6:52 p.m. his Emergency 911 Communications Center received a call from a woman stating that a suspect had allegedly forced his way into her house on Bussey Road in Wheelersburg.

Deputies were advised that the suspect was attempting to retrieve firearms and that he was suffering from mental health issues.

Sheriff Thoroughman states that deputies were dispatched to that location and upon arrival attempted to contact the male subject. The woman, who was close to the area, returned home.

After no contact was made with the suspect, the caller opened the garage door and allowed deputies to enter the residence. Deputies proceeded to the basement area in attempts to locate the suspect.

As deputies were searching the basement area, they could hear a shotgun being racked, loading a shell into the firing chamber. The suspect then allegedly pointed the shotgun at deputies. Deputies exited the residence and set up a perimeter, securing the house.

During negotiations with the suspect, he allegedly fired one round inside the residence. It was later discovered that the round that was fired was fired from an inner basement bedroom. The bullet went through a closet door, struck the floor, then ricocheted into the outer basement wall.

Just after an hour of negations the suspect exited the residence with a pistol in hand, placing the pistol on top of a vehicle and surrendering to deputies.

Arrested was Zachary Cunningham, 28, of Franklin Furnace.

Cunningham has been charged with using weapons while intoxicated, criminal trespass, improperly discharging a firearm at or into habitation, aggravated menacing, domestic violence and unlawful restraint. Cunningham is being held on a $68,250 bond after appearing in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, July 11.

Sheriff Thoroughman would like to thank the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Portsmouth Police Department for their assistance.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation, and the case will be presented to a Scioto County grand jury on a later date, which could result in more charges being filed.

Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Brian Nolan at 740-354-7566.