Minford Man Arrested for Felonious Assault

PORTSMOUTH, OH – Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced today the arrest of a Minford man following a violent domestic incident that occurred on the evening of July 5, 2026.

At approximately 8:08 p.m. on July 5, the Scioto County 911 Communications Center received a report of an active domestic dispute involving a pregnant female at a residence on Parson Road.

Deputies arrived at the scene to find the victim suffering from multiple injuries. She was immediately transported by emergency squad to Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC), where she was admitted. The injuries sustained included trauma to the placenta of her unborn child.

The suspect had fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Following an investigation that continued into the early morning hours of July 6, detectives successfully located the suspect at his place of employment in Pike County. He was detained without incident and subsequently charged.

Arrested:

John Michael Odiam, 20, of Parson Road, Minford.

Odiam has been charged with the following:

• Domestic Violence: Felony of the 4th degree

• Felonious Assault (3 counts): Felony of the 2nd degree

• Abduction: Felony of the 3rd degree

• Strangulation: Felony of the 2nd degree

Odiam is currently being held in the Scioto County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Sheriff Thoroughman expressed his gratitude to the labor and delivery staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center for their critical assistance during this investigation.

This remains an ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury at a later date. The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at (740) 351-1091.