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Franklin Furnace man charged with attempted murder of Scioto County sheriff's deputy

By
Scioto County Sheriff's Office, Press Release

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman reports that his 9-1-1 Communication Center received a call on Monday, Aug. 21 at approximately 5:48 p.m., from a property owner on Big Doney Road in Green Township. The property owner stated that he went to check on his property, and there were squatters that should not be there.

Deputies were dispatched, and upon arrival the first deputy on scene observed one male down by a pond. The deputy entered the house and observed a female and male in the bedroom. The male subject, who appeared to be under the influence, took off running, wearing only his underwear.

The deputy gave chase, and the male suspect ran down a hill and jumped into a pond, allegedly stating that "you can't tase me now, I am in water.” Once the deputy was able to get hands on the suspect, it is alleged the suspect pulled the deputy into the pond, and a struggle ensued.

During the struggle, the suspect allegedly took the deputy’s radio and held it so the deputy could not radio for help. As the altercation continued, the suspect allegedly got the deputy in a headlock and dragged him underwater, resulting in the deputy blacking out and almost drowning.

The suspect then allegedly fled the scene, leaving the deputy in need of medical assistance.

Detectives processed the scene, collected evidence and interviewed witnesses as multiple law enforcement agencies, including the assistance of police K-9s and a helicopter, assisted in the manhunt.

Two individuals were detained at the scene and brought in for questioning. The manhunt continued to approximately 1:03 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, when deputies located the suspect and arrested him. Deputies expected that the suspect would return for his property, and he did so.

Arrested was Richard Michael Turner, 28, who reported he was homeless in the Franklin Furnace area. His last known legal address was in Kenton.

Turner has been charged with attempted aggravated murder, a felony of the first degree; attempted murder, a felony of the first degree; felonious assault on a peace officer, a felony of the second degree; obstructing official business, a felony of the fifth degree; and breaking & entering, a felony of the fifth degree. Turner was served a warrant on complaint for failure to appear, the original charge for which is domestic violence, and a warrant out of Lawrence County for resisting arrest.

Also arrested was Tamera Clifton, 30, of Minford. Clifton was charged with one count of breaking & entering, a felony of the fifth degree.

Also arrested was Birdine Cole, 39, of Franklin Furnace. Cole was also charged with one count of breaking & entering, a felony of the fifth degree.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that he would like to thank the many law enforcement agencies that assisted in the manhunt, and special thanks to the Green Fire Department and Squad for allowing the SCSO to use their station for a command center.

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