Scioto County – Two people have been arrested and a 10-year-old is in safe custody after police found the boy in an unsafe environment
Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that his office assisted in a joint investigation involving the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Watercraft, The Ohio State Fire Marshalls Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, and the Portsmouth Fire Department.
Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that on August 19, 2021, sheriff detectives responded along with the other agencies to execute a search warrant at 5603 5 th St., Sciotoville, Ohio. The search warrant arose from an ongoing investigation from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
involving thefts and arsons.
During the course of the investigation information was obtained that a 10-year-old child had been staying at this house with his mother, who does not have custody. This child is back safe with his father in Michigan.
Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that detectives were able to determine that the child was exposed to drugs, explosive devices, and horrible living conditions that could have caused serious physical harm or death.
This is an ongoing investigation that will result in more charges being presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury to include several counts of Aggravated Arson, a felony of the 1 st degree, Possession of a Dangerous Ordnance, a felony of the 2 nd degree, Possession of Drugs, Trafficking
in Drugs, and Having Weapons under Disability.
Arrested was Louira Byrd, age 40, of 5603 5 th St, Sciotoville. Byrd has been charged with 1 count of Child Endangerment, a felony of the 3 rd degree. Also arrested was Blue Byrd, age 39, residing at the same address, charged with 1 count of Child Endangerment, a felony of the 3 rd degree. Both are currently being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $100,00.00 bond
