By FRANK LEWIS
PDT Staff Writer
A response by Portsmouth Police to shots being fired has resulted in two arrests. Rakeem Ahmed Blair, 20, of Springfield was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence, a three-degree felony; and possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony. Antonio L. Spikes, 22, of Cincinnati was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon; having a weapon while under disability; tampering with evidence and escape, all third-degree felonies, and possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony.
Acting Portsmouth Police Chief Robert Ware said members of the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, which consists of narcotics detectives from the Portsmouth Police Department, the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation were called about 1 p.m. Thursday to assist detectives of the Portsmouth Police Department in an investigation into a “shots fired” call that had occurred the previous day.
Detectives said Spikes and Blair were involved in the shooting. Detectives said they also found crack cocaine on Blair and a loaded .380 caliber handgun on Spikes. While detectives were attempting to handcuff Spikes, they said he pushed away from detectives and fled on foot. Detectives apprehended him after a foot pursuit. Detectives said Spikes also attempted to hide crack cocaine in the rear seat of a police car after arrest.
Ware said anyone wishing to leave drug information for the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force can contact the Portsmouth Police Department drug line at 740-354-DRUG (3784), or the Sheriff’s Office drug line at 740-351-1094 or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.
Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.















