Loudonville Man Faces Felonious Assault Charge After Violent Domestic Incident; Bond Hearing Set for June 5

LOUDONVILLE, OH — A 29-year-old Loudonville man is facing serious criminal charges following a brutal domestic assault that left his mother with life-threatening injuries. The suspect, Matthew J. DeWitt, is set to appear before Ashland County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Paul T. Lange at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, for a bond hearing that will determine whether he will remain behind bars pending trial.

The charges stem from a disturbing and violent event that unfolded just two days prior, on Tuesday, June 3, at a residence located at 722 North Market Street in Loudonville. At approximately 12:00 p.m., Loudonville Police officers were dispatched to the address in response to a domestic assault in progress. Given the intensity of the situation described by the caller, Loudonville EMS was also requested en route to the scene.

Upon arrival, first-responding officers encountered an ongoing and violent altercation. DeWitt, later identified as the suspect, was reportedly in a highly aggressive state, prompting officers to deploy their department-issued tasers in order to safely subdue him. After DeWitt was taken into custody, officers entered the residence where they discovered his mother—the victim of the assault—suffering from severe physical injuries.

Emergency medical teams arrived quickly and, recognizing the gravity of her condition, transported the victim to a nearby helipad. She was then airlifted via medical helicopter to Summa Health in Akron, where she was admitted with life-threatening injuries. Her current condition has not been released, but authorities have confirmed she remains under intensive medical care.

Meanwhile, DeWitt was transported under police guard to UH Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries he sustained during the incident. Upon receiving medical clearance, he was transferred to the Ashland County Jail, where he remains in custody.

Due to the severity and complexity of the case, multiple agencies were brought in to assist Loudonville Police with the ongoing investigation. Those agencies include the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Division, Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Green-Perrysville Joint Fire District. These units worked collaboratively to secure a search warrant, process the crime scene, collect critical evidence, and interview key witnesses.

DeWitt is currently charged under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.11 with Felonious Assault, a second-degree felony. This charge reflects the accusation that he knowingly caused serious physical harm to another person—in this case, his own mother. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 8 years and additional penalties.

Thursday’s bond hearing will be held via Zoom, and the outcome will determine whether DeWitt is eligible for pre-trial release or will continue to be held in custody pending trial proceedings.

The Loudonville community has been deeply shaken by the violent nature of this incident, particularly given the familial connection between the suspect and the victim. Officials have expressed both outrage and sorrow, and social services have reportedly been contacted to provide support for the family and neighbors affected by the traumatic event.

Authorities urge anyone with further information about the incident to contact the Loudonville Police Department or the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office. As the investigation continues, law enforcement emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and the critical role of intervention in cases of domestic violence.