On 26 Mar 2023 the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher received a 911 call stating that Dale Pugh was going to kill Virginia Pugh.  This was reported to be at 5765 Patten Mills Road, Wesley Township.  Pugh had left the area in his GMC truck in an unknown direction before deputies could arrive.

Deputies patrolled for Pugh’s vehicle and detectives responded to the residence to begin an investigation.  It was reported to detectives that Dale and Virginia had been divorced since 1998, however they still lived together.  Virginia had moved out of that residence a few months ago and Pugh had been drinking daily and suffering with some personal issues since that time. 

On this date Virginia came to visit her daughter and Pugh saw her at the house.  Pugh then called the residence and asked if Virginia said anything about him or asked about him.  Virginia then left that residence and went to another family members’ house, which is in  close proximity to Pugh’s house.   

Pugh made a call to the family member around 4:15 p.m. and stated something to the effect “It’s over. It’s done. I am taking care of it.”   The family member then left the residence and walked over to the Dale Pugh residence.  Once inside, Pugh was seen standing at the kitchen window with a loaded 30-06 rifle, (later confirmed to contain a live round in the chamber). The windows were open and Pugh was pointing the rifle towards the greenhouse in the backyard, where Virginia was gathering some of her belongings.  Movement was seen in the greenhouse, and the family member ran towards Pugh and grabbed a hold of the rifle, peeling it from his hands to gain control of it.

The family member stood in front of the gun cabinet, and Pugh was able to get his vehicle keys and leave the residence. 

Pugh later returned to the home and was interviewed by detectives.  Pugh’s statement was consistent with what was reported.

Dale Henry Pugh, age 70,  5765 Patten Mills Road, Stockport, OH, was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail where he was charged with Attempted Murder, a first degree felony. 

Pugh remains incarcerated in the Washington County Jail until his initial appearance in Marietta Municipal Court.