ROSS COUNTY, OH – The Ross County Sheriff’s Office reported a dramatic warrant service attempt near the intersection of Higby Rd and Three Locks Rd on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at approximately 4:27 p.m. EDT, with details released on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The incident led to the arrest of Tom Tilton after a foot chase and the use of a taser by deputies.
The operation began when Deputy Trenton Morgan spotted a white Ford truck matching Tilton’s vehicle, known for prior evasion incidents, near the intersection. After confirming Tilton’s identity via recent mugshots, Morgan coordinated with Deputies Ryker Nott and Luke Ramsey to approach the running but abandoned truck. Footprints in the wet ground, due to earlier rainfall, guided the search along the railroad tracks, where Ramsey spotted Tilton hiding in the tree line.
As Nott closed in, Tilton attempted to flee down a hill, prompting Nott to deploy his Taser 7, striking Tilton and allowing the deputies to handcuff him. A search revealed drug paraphernalia, including a black bag near Tilton’s hiding spot and a plastic bag with white powder and a straw with dark residue in his pocket. A taser probe lodged in Tilton’s head caused bleeding, prompting an immediate EMS response from Jefferson Township. Tilton was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center, where the probe was removed with one stitch, and he was cleared for jail transfer.
Tilton claimed vehicle trouble led him to pull over and that he hid to avoid arrest and losing his grandfather’s truck. He faces charges including obstructing official business, resisting arrest, possessing drug abuse instruments, and drug paraphernalia. The truck was towed by Vest Towing with no contraband found. The incident, assisted by deputies’ teamwork, underscores ongoing efforts to apprehend wanted individuals in the county.
