YEAR: 2017

SEASON: Winter

MONTH: January

DATE: 21

STATE: Ohio

COUNTY: Gallia County

LOCATION DETAILS: From Columbus, Ohio take US 23 south to Chillicothe to US 35. Take US 35 to Rio Grande. At Rio Grande, take Rte. 325, north towards Vinton.

NEAREST TOWN: Rio Grande, Ohio

NEAREST ROAD: Rte. OH 325

OBSERVED: I was driving down Ohio Route 325 in Gallia County on Saturday, January 21, 2017 between 9:30-10:00 pm. I came around a curve and saw a reflection off the eyes of a deer. I slowed down and noticed several of them in a field right next to the road. By this time, I was completely stopped because I was counting the deer. While counting the deer, I saw what looked like a bigfoot near one of the deer. It must have known I saw it because it started running away towards the treeline. It was way taller than the deer and was a light to medium brown. It had a huge upper body. It didn't run with a very smooth gait.

OTHER WITNESSES: Other were sleeping in the car

OTHER STORIES: No

TIME AND CONDITIONS: Bright lights from my Dodge Durango

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Dusty Ruth:

I met with the witness and his wife at the place of his sighting on State Route 325 a few miles northeast of the intersection with U.S. Rte. 35 in Rio Grande. In addition to the information listed in his report, he described the bigfoot as being a light to medium brown color, having brownish-black skin, deep-set eyes and a broad, flattish nose. The witness was about 25 foot – 35 foot away from the creature. The creature was apparently standing among the deer. When it took off, it didn't run with a smooth gait, as if something may have been wrong with its leg.

In checking the weather history for that night, I found it was 51°, the wind was calm and there was a waxing crescent moon.

In observing the area, I could find no obvious tracks or other evidence. There did appear to be a worn trail where the witness said the creature ran. The area is heavily wooded with small streams, lakes and ponds. The woods where the creature ran towards is posted with “No Trespassing” signs. There is a house almost directly across the road.

About BFRO Investigator Dusty Ruth:

I was employed as an investigator for 25 years and then promoted to administrator for another 11 years until I retired.