PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — A Minford man is being held without bond in the Scioto County Jail following a violent domestic assault Sunday evening that left a pregnant woman hospitalized with severe injuries, including trauma to her unborn child’s placenta.
John Michael Odiam, 20, of Parson Road, was arrested early Monday morning, July 6, 2026, following a multi-county investigation and an overnight manhunt.
Emergency Response to Parson Road
The incident began at approximately 8:08 p.m. on July 5, when the Scioto County 911 Communications Center received an emergency call reporting an active domestic dispute involving a pregnant female at a residence on Parson Road.
Upon arrival, Scioto County Sheriff’s deputies located the victim suffering from multiple injuries. She was immediately rushed by emergency squad to Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC), where she was admitted for treatment. Medical staff confirmed the victim sustained trauma to the placenta of her unborn child during the assault.
Odiam had already fled the property before law enforcement arrived at the scene.
Arrest at Workplace and Major Felony Charges
Detectives launched an intensive investigation that stretched into the early morning hours of July 6. Investigators eventually tracked Odiam to his place of employment located in neighboring Pike County. He was detained by authorities without further incident and transported back to Scioto County for booking.
Odiam has been processed into the Scioto County Jail on several severe felony counts, including:
- Felonious Assault (Three counts — Felonies of the 2nd degree)
- Strangulation (Felony of the 2nd degree)
- Abduction (Felony of the 3rd degree)
- Domestic Violence (Felony of the 4th degree)
Ongoing Investigation
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman expressed his deep gratitude to the labor and delivery staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center for their critical, specialized medical assistance during the initial stages of the investigation.
Odiam is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Sheriff Thoroughman noted that the case remains an active investigation, and additional charges may be presented to a Scioto County Grand Jury at a later date. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel directly at (740) 351-1091.
