Pictured is Jonathan Andrew Rideout.
A Delaware man could be facing nearly a decade and a half behind bars after allegedly driving to Marysville and shooting into a home.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Jonathan Andrew Rideout, 21, of Delaware, charging him with one count each of improperly discharging a firearm, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence.
According to court documents, on Aug. 24, Rideout and a Union County resident got into an argument over Facebook.
“There were some back and forth messaging,” Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said.
He said Rideout drove his minivan to the victim’s home on Coleman-Brake Road.
“Allegedly the man drove by and shot at the house from his motor vehicle, striking the home,” Phillips said.
Rideout then allegedly drove away, at some point allegedly throwing the gun out the window.
When law enforcement was called, investigators removed a 25-calibur bullet from the home as evidence. Investigators quickly identified Rideout as the alleged shooter.
A dog was brought to the area and helped police find the discarded gun.
“Obviously, this is a serious offense,” Phillips said. “Anytime a firearm is discharged in this type of environment, it creates a danger, not only to the intended victim, but to the public at large.”
Rideout is in Tri-County Regional Jail. Bond has been set at $50,000.
If convicted on all counts, Rideout could face as many as 14.5 years in prison.
Others indicted include:
-James Joseph Gleason, 52, whose court listed address is the Tri-County Regional Jail, Gleason is charged with two counts of operating a vehicle while under the influence.
According to court documents, on Aug. 11, Gleason was driving in Richwood when he was pulled over. The officer said he could smell alcohol on Gleason. He told the officer he had two or three beers earlier in the evening. The officer said Gleason’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot. When tested, Gleason’s blood alcohol level was .177.
According to court documents, “Mr. Gleason has 10 previous convictions of OVI.”
“He is clearly a menace, clearly a risk,” Phillips said.
Prosecutors are asking the court to list Gleason as a repeat OVI offender.
“When you have someone operating a motor vehicle and drinking, they are a risk, not only to themselves, but to everyone on the road,” Phillips said.
If convicted, Gleason could face as many as five years in prison.
Phillips said he sees time behind bars as the best option for Gleason. The prosecutor said the state can take a driver’s license, “but that doesn’t mean they will stop driving.”
“At some point, and I think we are there with Mr. Gleason, the only thing we can do is try to keep them away from the public and, if he is convicted, try to convince the court to incarcerate him,” Phillips said.
-Tiffani Jene Hunter, 35, of Bellefontaine. Hunter is charged with two counts of operating a vehicle while under the influence. According to court documents, about 4:45 p.m., Aug. 21, Hunter was on U.S. 33 in Allen Township when she was observed following another vehicle too closely. She was stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the trooper determined she was under the influence of alcohol.
According to court documents, Hunter has at least three prior drunk driving convictions, the most recent in July in Union County. Additionally, when Hunter was pulled over, it was learned she was allegedly driving on a suspended license.
If convicted, Hunter could face as many as 18 months in prison.