News
Glouster Man Charged After Pursuit Through Woods
By: WOUB Staff Writer
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A Glouster man is in custody after law enforcement chased him through the woods of Murray City.
Stephen A. Giffin was wanted on warrants for felonious assault to a peace officer and rape, and now faces charges of resisting arrest and obstructing official business, according to a press release from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office received tips on the whereabouts of Giffin on April 27, and Giffin’s vehicle was found abandoned on Goose Run Road, the release stated. A possible sighting was reported in Murray City, “when an anonymous caller reported that they believed Giffin exited a wooded area and attempted to hide behind a trailer,” according to the sheriff’s office.
The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office and the Murray City Police Deparment were called to assist in the investigation.
In the wooded area, a K-9 unit was deployed, and deputies searched abandoned cabins in the area. A male who fit Giffin’s description ran away from deputies, according to the release. After being advised to stop but failing to comply with orders, law enforcement said Giffin continued to flee.
“Deputies then deployed a taser to Giffin causing him to comply and be taken into custody,” the release stated.
The man was treated for minor injuries and transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond for the rape charge, and a $50,000 bond for the felonious assault charge.