New details emerge in Belmont County hostage situation

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — We have new details on yesterday’s tense domestic standoff in Powhatan Point.

The female victim is safe, and the suspect, 46-year-old Ray Allen Fox Jr., is facing a long list of charges, some of them stemming from previous events.

It started with a call to authorities yesterday at 2 p.m.

A woman was being held by a man in a mobile home on Industry Street.

Officers repeatedly ordered them out but got no response.

The sheriff’s Special Operations Branch set up negotiations from outside.

Later, at 4:40 p.m., the female came outside and got the female. And the subject was inside by himself.”

Sheriff Dave Lucas, Belmont County

Hours passed without progress.

So they informed the suspect that if he didn’t come out, K-9 Xyrem would come in.

They say Ray Fox Jr. came out without incident.

Xyrem was not deployed, but it just shows that you know Xyrem is a deputy himself, and he is there for what he is trained for. With the K-9, the incident came to an end without anybody getting hurt.”

Sheriff Dave Lucas, Belmont County

Tension was highest in the beginning while the woman was inside.

So you know we’re on eggshells and we take our time in regards to come to a peaceful ending.”

Sheriff Dave Lucas, Belmont County

The sheriff credits the Special Operations Branch with de-escalating this and many other volatile situations.

Over the years, there have been a lot of incidents that have come to a peaceful ending because we have this team here ready to go.

Ray Allen Fox Jr. is charged with kidnapping, strangulation, obstructing official business, and more.

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