News 25 Sept 2026
6 Sept 2026 Deputy Welch became aware of juveniles being involved in an incident involving Eric Fowler, SR 60, Muskingum Township. Upon speaking with the subjects it was learned that an incident occurred at Fowler’s home where the juveniles were throwing toilet paper over the home. Fowler exited the house and stated something to the juveniles from the porch and the juveniles ran. The juveniles left in a vehicle and noticed a vehicle following them. The vehicle began to drive beside them on a double yellow line, making a hand gesture to the juveniles. The vehicle then passed the juveniles and stopped in front of their vehicle blocking their path. The driver exited his vehicle and walked back to the juvenile’s vehicle. The driver was identified as Eric Fowler, who began to strike the vehicle causing some damage, yelling at the juveniles, and making threats of harm. A summons is being requested through Marietta Municipal Court for Eric Fowler, age 50, on a charge of aggravated menacing.
7 Sept 2026 Deputy Gerber was patrolling near the intersection of Washington Boulevard and George Street when he observed a white Honda Pilot bearing West Virginia registration fail to make a complete stop at the traffic control device at Washington Boulevard and George Street. The vehicle had a cracked windshield on the driver’s side, obstructing the driver’s view. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was identified as well as a passenger, Evonne Furby. While speaking with the two individuals, the passenger and driver appeared nervous. Neither of the two wanted to answer many questions, and could not answer any questions thoroughly, avoiding eye contact. Deputy Davis utilized his narcotics detection K9 Ivar to perform a free air sniff around the vehicle. K9 Ivar indicated the odor of narcotics near the driver’s side door. A Belpre PD officer arrived and conducted a pat down of the females. Located on Furby was a purple plastic baggie containing 3.49 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a clear plastic baggie containing 1.77 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and a clear cylinder container containing 7.13 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Evonne L. Furby, age 60, 903 Core Road, Parkersburg, WV, was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail charged with possession of drugs.
8 Sept 2026 Deputy Bush was on routine patrol in the area of Washington Boulevard near the Speedway when he observed a teal Jeep at the gas pumps where the occupants and other subjects appeared nervous. The vehicle left the area and upon traveling on SR 7 committed a traffic violation. A traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle and the occupants were identified. One occupant, Alex Stafford, gave consent to search his person and while doing so a baggie with white residue was located. A search was requested of Belpre PD to search the trash cans at the businesses the subjects had visited. Belpre PD located a baggie containing suspected fentanyl in the trash can located next to where the Jeep was parked. Both subjects were advised of their Miranda Rights and Stafford admitted to throwing away trash, and said the baggie may test positive for fentanyl, but he stated it was powdered sugar to sweeten his drinks. Alex L. Stafford, 500 13th Street, Apt. 23, Parkersburg, WV, was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail charged with possession of drugs and tampering with evidence.
8 Sept 2026 Deputy Welch began an investigation into stolen keys that were later returned to the owner.
9 Sept 2026 Deputy Groves began an investigation into a dog biting an individual in Blennerhassett Township.
10 Sept 2026 Deputy P Brockmeier responded to 47759 State Route 7, Grandview Township, to conduct a welfare check on a child. The child was reported to be missing school, and issues when the child is in school. Deputy Brockmeier entered the residence and was advised that the mother, Roberta Jean Pethel, was not at home. A pipe commonly used for smoking marijuana laying on a stand in plain view and within reach of a juvenile, was noted. Contact was made by phone with Roberta Pethel, who refused to respond to the residence due to being on vacation. A summons is being requested for Pethel, age 40, on a charge of endangering children.
10 Sept 2026 Deputy McElroy was operating a marked sheriff’s cruiser on Pike Street when he observed a Ford F350 commit multiple traffic violations. A traffic stop was conducted and contact with the operator was made. Melton Ramirez Ramirez, 46 Acme Street, Marietta, OH. A check on driving privileges showed Ramirez was suspended out of Indiana. A citation was issued to Ramirez for driving under suspension.
10 Sept 2026 Deputy McElroy investigated a trespassing complaint filed in Adams Township.
11 Sept 2026 deputies were dispatched to State Route 60, Adams Township, to a one vehicle accident with no injuries. Lowell Adams VFD was on scene due to debris in the roadway from where the vehicle traveled in the ditch approximately 120 feet. Deputy Wallace made contact with the driver, Bruce A. Hall, 14036 Crooked Tree Road, Lowell, OH. Hall had slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet. Hall admitted to consuming alcohol this evening. Hall stated he had consumed a couple PBR beers at the Sternwheel Festival prior to driving home. Hall attempted to complete SFST’s however could not perform any of them due to the severity of his impairment, stating he was “pretty --- ---- drunk”. Hall was transported to the Marietta City Police Department where he completed testing, with the results being 0.186 on the BAC. Hall, age 70, was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail on a charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
14 Sept 2026 Deputy Moss was sitting stationary near mile post 6 on I77. A Mitsubishi SUV passed Deputy Moss going south bound. The registration did not contain a county identifier sticker. Deputy Moss proceeded to follow the vehicle, and observed the driver veer right across the solid white fog line. A traffic stop was then conducted on the vehicle near the 3 mile marker. Contact was made with the driver, who was accompanied by a male passenger. Both occupants provided identification and the passenger, Jonathan Craig Thompson, 701 N Park Avenue, Warren, OH, was checked and found to have an active warrant through the state of Pennsylvania. Thompson was placed under arrest on the warrant and processed into the Washington County Jail where charges of fugitive from justice were filed.
16 Sept 2026 Deputy Groves responded to Rockland Avenue, Belpre, for a dog at large complaint. Deputy Groves arrived and found Belpre PD had caught the stray dog. The dog is known to Deputy Groves as belonging to Katelyn Malone. Contact was attempted with Malone and Aleishia Barber. Barber advised she would respond to pick up the dog. Deputy Groves transported the dog to 813 Braun Road, Belpre, OH, where he met with Barber and gave her possession of the dog. Barber stated she was responsible for the dog prior to its escape. She advised that she was responsible for the dog prior to its escape. Barber was advised she would be receiving a summons for failing to restrain the dog.
16 Sept 2026 Deputy Welch began an investigation into identity theft in Grandview Township.
18 Sept 2026 Deputy Gainer responded to Thermo Fisher, Warren Township, in reference to the theft of a Toshiba E-Studio 3528A copier being stolen from the property. Contact was made with employees who advised the copier was taken from a trailer which was used as a break room. The business records confirmed the copier was in service on 1 Sept 2026. Personnel were advised that someone with another company had requested work be done on the copier. Information on the company showed an address in Beverly, OH, and Deputy Gainer responded to that location. Contact was made with Bryson Wilhelm and he was advised why Deputy Gainer was there. Wilhelm admitted to being at Thermo Fisher due to working with a company that goes into their facility. Wilhelm initially denied having the Toshiba copier stating he only owned an HP. After speaking with Wilhelm more he admitted to having possession of the stolen copier and admitted to taking it from the break room, but that he was given permission from an employee to take the copier. Contact was made with Thermo Fisher personnel who had spoken with numerous employees and supervisors advising no one gave anyone permission to take the copier. The copier was recovered and returned to Thermo Fisher. The estimated value of the Toshiba E-Studio 3528A was listed at $7,500.00 to $10,849. A warrant was requested for Bryson Matthew Wilhelm, 205 Second Street, Beverly, OH, on a charge of theft. The warrant was issued through Marietta Municipal Court and served on Wilhelm on 24 Sept 2026
