MANSFIELD, Ohio – UPDATED — An altercation between local resident Michael Skidmore and Richland County Courthouse Building Security Officers on Thursday resulted in a 911 call after a shot was fired by one of the officers. A press release issued Friday morning by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the shot was intentional.
The altercation stemmed from an incident during a meeting of the Richland County Commissioners. According to Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon’s statement during a press conference Thursday afternoon, Skidmore attempted to photograph Richland County Clerk Stacy Crall’s name badge.
Skidmore touched Crall, grabbing her shoulder, in the process of attempting to reach her badge. A commissioner commented that the touch was inappropriate and asked the human resources director to notify security.
Two county building security officers responded and were subsequently assaulted while trying to restrain Skidmore, said a statement from the sheriff’s office released Thursday afternoon.
“I believe one of the security officers, Tim Norris, was struck in the head multiple times with a fist,” said Sheldon during the press conference. Another security officer, Chuck Kochis, was bitten on the cheek during the struggle. Both officers were treated and released from OhioHealth MedCentral.
A bullet was fired by one of the responding security officers, which went into a wall and did not injure anyone. Friday morning’s press release confirmed the discharge was intentional.
Skidmore was arrested and taken into custody. He has been charged with felonious assault. Skidmore was arraigned Friday morning; Mansfield Municipal Court Magistrate Phil Naumoff set his bond at $100,000 cash.
It was noted by some attendees of the commissioner’s meeting that Skidmore was present as a representative of “The Ashland Free Press,” an online publication. Owner and Editor Matt Timmons responded to the rumor, “Mike has written a few articles which were published on the Ashland Free Press site. I welcome community member contributions. However, the Ashland Free Press does not employ anyone, so Mike has no official ties to the Ashland Free Press.”
Skidmore, according to his Facebook page, is a Shelby resident and former night watchman at the Ohio State Reformatory MRPS. He has appeared at events and conducted interviews on behalf of Photography is Not a Crime (PINAC), a website that refers to him as a correspondent.
A video on social media showed a Richland County deputy at what was purported by the posting party to be Skidmore’s residence. The officer was allegedly waiting for a search warrant for the property. The Richland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a search warrant had been issued, but could offer no further information at this time.
An investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
