On Veterans Day, a man charged after a shootout with Bucyrus police is being sought by Ohio Highway Patrol after fleeing a mental hospital in Columbus.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office was notified Thursday night that 38-year-old Jacob Dunn-Davidson had escaped from the Twin Valley Behavioral Health Hospital at 2200 West Broad Street in Columbus.
A news release from the Ohio Highway Patrol called Davidson a “dangerous fugitive” and asked for the help of the public to find the man.
“Davidson should be considered dangerous,” said a Patrol news release. “If spotted, stay away and contact law enforcement immediately.”
Davidson was transferred from Crawford County Jail to Twin Valley on Dec. 20, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. A warrant for Davidson’s arrest was expected to be issued by Franklin County for his escape.
It’s unclear if Davidson carries a weapon, but according to the Sheriff’s Department, he should be considered armed and dangerous. Described as being a white male. He has blue eyes and was last known to have brown unkempt hair and a full beard.
According to a Patrol news release, he was last seen wearing a red flannel shirt with a maroon T-shirt underneath, blue sweatpants and black Velcro tennis shoes.
The Patrol is the investigative agency for this escape. Anyone with information regarding Davidson’s whereabouts should contact Patrol at 614-466-2660. You can also contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911.
Davidson of 15715 Sinkey Road, Centerburg was indicted on November 15 by a grand jury for assault in the first degree, according to records on the Crawford County Common Pleas Court Clerk’s website. Obstructing public service, a 4th degree felony. Improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a 4th degree felony. Firing a firearm on or near prohibited premises, a third degree felony.
He was ordered to be held on a bond of $2 million, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.
On November 11, the Crawford and Morrow county sheriff’s offices responded to a shooting in which one person was injured, according to a news release. A description of the suspect vehicle was broadcast to local law enforcement.
Shortly after receiving that notice, Bucyrus police officer Devin Wireman spotted a vehicle matching the description, the Telegraph-Forum previously reported. Wireman turned on the cruiser’s lights, opened the doors, and prepared to park the vehicle at Poplar and West Charles streets, but the SUV continued through the intersection. Wireman followed.
As the SUV approached South Spring Street, the drivers stopped and a shootout ensued before Wireman and Lt. Kurt Barsby arrested the shooter, who was later identified as Davidson.
This article originally appeared in the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Gunfight suspect asked to escape mental hospital