05/20/2026
Two Men in Custody After Shots Fired Into Sidney-area Home
News Release from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office:
SHELBY COUNTY, Ohio — On May 19, 2026, at approximately 10:21 p.m., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a report of shots being fired into an occupied residence on Fair Road.
At approximately 10:31 p.m., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office also received a report of a hit-skip accident involving a mailbox on Kuther Road. Due to the close proximity and timing of the two incidents, investigators believed they were related.
The property owner involved in the hit-skip incident was able to provide deputies with a description of the vehicle, its occupants, and the direction of travel. During the course of the investigation, deputies developed leads that enabled them to identify both the vehicle and possible suspects involved.
A search warrant was being prepared for a residence located at 431 S. Highland Avenue in Sidney, Ohio. While awaiting the warrant, deputies conducted surveillance on the residence and observed a white male leaving the location. The subject was later stopped and taken into custody.
A second individual was also identified as a possible suspect. He was located and transported to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning.
The suspects were identified as James C. Parker, age 32, of Sidney, and James P. Richards, age 29, also of Sidney. During the investigation, confessions were obtained from and investigators determined that Parker and Richards had been traveling in a vehicle while consuming alcohol and were in possession of two handguns, a 9mm and a .380 caliber firearm.
Fired shell casings were recovered on Fair Road. Investigators determined the suspects had been randomly firing shots from the moving vehicle. One bullet entered an occupied residence, passing through a bay window and landing behind a couch. The round narrowly missed one of the occupants inside the home.
Both Parker and Richards are currently incarcerated on charges related to this incident.
Parker has been charged with:
• Improperly Discharging a Firearm at or into a Habitation, a Felony of the Second Degree;
• Having Weapons While Under Disability, a Felony of the Third Degree; and
• Driving Under Suspension, a Misdemeanor of the First Degree.
Richards has been charged with:
• Improperly Handling Fi****ms in a Motor Vehicle, a Felony of the Fourth Degree.
I would like to thank all of the deputies who worked on this case for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting the citizens of Shelby County. Their quick response and thorough investigation were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful resolution.
James R. Frye
Sheriff
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
