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Man Accused Of Attacking Vinton County Deputy In Court Today

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The Athens County prosecutor says a man who attacked a sheriff's deputy while being transported to jail on a domestic violence charge is also being investigated in connection with a death in Vinton County.     

Keller Blackburn says Richard Puckett will appear today in court on felonious assault, aggravated robbery and escape charges after attacking Vinton County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Kemmerling last week.

Puckett was being taken to the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail in Nelsonville.

"He was handcuffed in the front seat of a Vinton County deputy's vehicle. He attempted to take the firearm of the deputy, had an altercation with the deputy, and then was able to temporarily get away from the deputy," says Blackburn.

Blackburn says the domestic violence case has been dropped, but Vinton County officers are continuing the death investigation that possibly involves Puckett.     

If convicted of the current charges, Puckett could face up to twelve years in prison.