NEWS RELEASE​​​​​​​
March 10, 2025
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Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 8:34am the New Boston Police Department Dispatch Center called advising that one of their officers was
being attacked in the parking lot of their police station. Deputies, detectives and two Portsmouth Police Officers responded to the officer in distress call.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that the officer was taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center where
he was treated and released for their injuries. The suspect was also taken to Southern Ohio
Medical Center for observation for possible drug usage. The suspect had no visible injuries nor
did he report any injuries.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that once the suspect was released from SOMC he was transported
to the sheriff’s office. Detectives learned that the suspect was acting erratic in the parking lot of
the New Boston Police Department. The suspect then attempted to steal a motor vehicle and the
officer attempted to detain him when he knocked the taser from the officer’s hand. During the
attack, the suspect punched the officer multiple times in his face and head.
The suspect then attacked an individual that was present and attempted to steal his vehicle. This
person assisted the officer fight the suspect until additional law enforcement arrived.
Arrested was Kaleb D Ruth, age 18, of 8211 Hayport Road Wheelersburg, Ohio. Ruth has been
charged with Felonious Assault on an Officer, a felony of the 1 st degree, Robbery, a felony of the
3rd degree, two counts of Grand Theft Auto, a felony of the 4th degree and Retaliation, a felony of the 3rd degree. Ruth is being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $120,000.00 bond and will
appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation that will result in more
charges being presented to the Scioto County grand jury on a later date. Anyone with
information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091