LISBON — A man accused of threatening EMT personnel while they were trying to conduct life-saving measures for a drowning victim who was later pronounced dead last July had his day in court.

William Dean Hively Jr., 54, Salem Grange Road, Salem, appeared in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Monday.

He was fined $1,100 and sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 90 days suspended and credit for three days served, leaving a balance of 87 days still to serve in jail for operating a vehicle impaired third offense, lighted lights, aggravated menacing and disorderly conduct. He was ordered to complete 40 hours community service.

According to an affidavit, on July 19, 2024, Hively was highly intoxicated and made threats of harm to EMT personnel stating he was going to kill them while they were trying to help the drowning victim. He was told numerous times to stay away from everyone and not cause any problems and failed to do so.

The OVI and traffic charge stemmed from a traffic stop on Aug. 29, 2024 in Perry Township.

The drowning occurred at 34616 Salem Grange Road in Salem Township, with the resident of the property, 56-year-old Melanie Lamb, identified as the victim who died at Salem Regional Medical Center the night of July 19, 2024.