Toledo man sentenced to 7 years for stabbing

A Toledo man is to spend seven years in prison for stabbing a cab driver after refusing to pay his fare in April.

Michael Zettner, 44, of Isha Laye Way was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Frederick McDonald. He had entered an Alford plea to felonious assault for the April 22 stabbing of Todd Hendricks.

Judge McDonald noted Zettner's extensive criminal history, including eight felonies as an adult, before sentencing him. At the assistant prosecutor's request, an aggravated robbery charge was dismissed.

Authorities said Zettner refused to pay a $17 fare to Mr. Hendricks and then pulled out a large steak knife. Both men were cut during a struggle before the driver gained control of the knife and Zettner fled.

In an Alford plea, the defendant maintains his innocence or does not admit he committed a crime but concedes evidence is sufficient for a conviction. The court treats it as a guilty plea.

Zettner apologized in court.