Butler County, Ohio – A Madison Township man has been formally charged following the stabbing of a Butler County Sheriff’s deputy, an incident that prompted a multi-agency response and raised concerns about law enforcement safety.
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect involved in the Feb. 5 stabbing of Deputy Mike Farthing has been released from Atrium Hospital and formally charged. The suspect, identified as Phillip Brandon Lovely, 41, of Madison Township, is facing Felonious Assault (F1), Arson (F4), and Attempted Aggravated Murder (F1) charges.
Authorities said Lovely was booked into the Middletown Jail following his release from the hospital. Investigators allege Lovely was responsible for stabbing Deputy Farthing while the deputy was performing his official duties. Additional details surrounding the circumstances of the incident have not been released.
Sheriff Richard K. Jones said Deputy Farthing is recovering well and is expected to return home.
“I am extremely thankful that Deputy Farthing is recovering well and will be going home,” Jones said. “There are not many professions where you wake up and prepare for work knowing you may not come home, and law enforcement is one of them. We are all very grateful that, in this case, Deputy Farthing is going home.”
Jones added that he is confident Lovely will face court proceedings and that the case will move forward through the judicial system.
Officials stated that updates on Deputy Farthing’s condition will be provided as information becomes available. No court date has yet been announced.
The case remains under investigation, and additional updates are expected as proceedings continue. The incident underscores ongoing risks faced by law enforcement officers responding to calls across Butler County.
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