Search Underway for Subject Who Escaped Ambulance Transport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 11, 2026

PORTSMOUTH, OH – Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old Jeremy Copas, who escaped from an ambulance while being transported to the hospital earlier today.

According to Sheriff Thoroughman, Mr. Copas had been in custody on a bench warrant for failure to appear on a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge. While in the jail, Mr. Copas indicated he required medical attention and subsequently appeared to become unresponsive. An ambulance was dispatched to the facility to transport him for emergency care.

Mr. Copas had been granted a conditional release by the judge and was to return to jail after his treatment. Conditional releases are typically reserved for non-violent, low-level offenders to help reduce unnecessary costs to taxpayers for medical care.

During the transport, in the vicinity of Waller and 16th Street, Mr. Copas managed to jump from the ambulance and fled the scene on foot. Law enforcement officers immediately conducted an extensive search of the area; however, the suspect remains at large.

Suspect Information:

• Name: Jeremy Copas

• DOB: 01/04/1995

• Last Known Address: 1809 Apt H, 17th Street (Wayne Hills), Portsmouth, Ohio

Sheriff Thoroughman urges residents not to approach Mr. Copas if spotted. If you see him or have information regarding his current whereabouts, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.