UPDATE: Suspect in Madison Township Stabbing Arrested Without Incident; Victim Stable
MADISON TOWNSHIP — The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has taken the suspect in Wednesday’s Madison Township stabbing into custody, bringing a multi-agency search to a close.
According to a final update released Thursday morning by Sheriff J. Steve Sheldon, deputies arrested Zachary Michael Zeiter at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 18 as he attempted to return to his residence. Authorities said Zeiter was taken into custody without incident.
Zeiter is currently being held in the Richland County Jail on a charge of felonious assault and is pending arraignment.
The victim, who sustained multiple stab wounds during the incident, remains hospitalized in stable condition, officials confirmed.
Sheriff Sheldon extended his appreciation to members of his office and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force for their diligence and teamwork throughout the investigation.
Background
The stabbing was reported around noon on Dec. 17 in the 400 block of North McElroy Road in Madison Township. By the time deputies were notified, the victim had already been transported to a local hospital and was later airlifted by medical helicopter to a Cleveland-area hospital.
When deputies arrived at the scene, the suspect was not located, prompting an extensive search involving the Richland County Fugitive Task Force. As a precaution during the manhunt, Madison High School and Madison Junior High School were placed on a soft lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Authorities initially warned that Zeiter should be considered dangerous and asked the public for assistance. That request is no longer active following his arrest.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has indicated this is the final update on the incident unless additional court-related information is released.
