Lucasville, OH – A man has been arrested in connection with a homicide reported Monday night on Millers Run Fallen Timber Road in Lucasville.
According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a 911 call around 9:40 p.m. Monday. The caller told dispatchers he had gone to check on a friend at a residence and discovered him unresponsive and possibly deceased.
Detectives launched a nonstop investigation and by Tuesday afternoon identified a person of interest, authorities said. At 3:23 p.m., deputies located the individual inside a Portsmouth business. He was taken into custody and transported to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, where he was later charged in connection with the case.
Sheriff David Thoroughman confirmed that 33-year-old James Paul Ruggles, currently listed as homeless, has been arrested. Ruggles is facing multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, aggravated arson, felonious assault, arson, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business. Authorities said the charges range from first- to fifth-degree felonies.
Ruggles is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday. Sheriff Thoroughman noted the investigation remains ongoing and more charges are expected to be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury at a later date.
No further details about the victim have been released as investigators continue their work.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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