ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A man has pleaded guilty to felonious assault and aggravated burglary charges stemming from an armed home invasion in Zanesville.
Frederick Lashley entered guilty pleas Oct. 30 in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court before Judge Kelly Cottrill to felonious assault with a firearm specification and aggravated burglary with a firearm specification.
Lashley faces a mandatory prison sentence and a possible maximum sentence of 23 years. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to the investigation, Zanesville police officers were dispatched to a home in August after a reported burglary.
The victim told officers she was inside with her granddaughter when she heard a loud noise coming from the back door. When she went to investigate, Lashley ran toward her with a handgun and pointed it at her face while yelling profanities.
The victim managed to grab the firearm and escape to her granddaughter’s room. After struggling to keep Lashley from entering, she shut the door and instructed the child to climb out a window. The victim followed, and the two ran to a neighbor’s home to call 911.
Investigators determined that, before entering the home, Lashley had been involved in a dispute over a lottery ticket at another location, where he allegedly struck a man with a handgun.
Detective Jason Keck’s investigation revealed Lashley had entered the wrong apartment. He reportedly believed he was entering the home of the man he had previously assaulted, but instead entered the grandmother’s residence.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Warren Edwards represented the state.
Edwards said the homeowner showed courage by physically confronting an armed intruder to protect her granddaughter. He said it was fortunate the two were able to escape without the incident ending in tragedy.
Lashley’s criminal history includes prior theft convictions that resulted in multiple prison sentences.
Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by AVC News
