New York man jailed in assault on officer

1/16/2001

A New York man was being held without bond last night in the Lucas County jail, accused of kicking a Toledo police officer in the face and spitting on him yesterday during an arrest, authorities said.

Steven T. Tompkins, 30, of Binghamton, was charged with assault, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing official business, and permitting drug abuse following the incident at 3 a.m. in the 800 block of Walnut Street.

He and Kenneth F. Collins, 35, of Hallstead, Pa., will be arraigned today in Toledo Municipal Court. Mr. Collins, who was with Mr. Tompkins, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and permitting drug abuse.

Police saw the two men driving in the areas of Ontario and Lagrange streets and Ontario and Walnut trying to stop passersby. During a traffic stop, officers struggled with Mr. Tompkins while trying to search him for weapons.

After he was handcuffed, Mr. Tompkins screamed death threats and kicked Officer Charles Leroux in the face as he was getting inside a police wagon. He then spat in the officer's face while he was holding a door for Mr. Tompkins to enter the police station from the police garage. Mr. Tompkins continued to kick at the officers. He was treated at Riverside Mercy Hospital for injuries sustained in the struggles, police said.