Man caught urinating taken to Toledo by Maumee police

5/2/2003

Maumee police are investigating the conduct of an officer who cited a man yesterday for urinating in public, then drove him several blocks beyond the city limits to leave him in Toledo.

Maumee police declined to identify the officer.

James Loss, 61, of 17th Street in Toledo was arrested about an hour later by Toledo police on a charge of disorderly conduct-intoxication. He was found on the ground in a parking lot on the southeast corner of Reynolds Road and Heatherdowns Boulevard.

According to Maumee police, Mr. Loss was seen urinating in public near an auto dealership at Conant Street and Dussel Drive about 5:45 p.m. Maumee police said he had been drinking, but did not appear to be seriously impaired.

A written citation was issued and the man, apparently having no car, was driven to Heatherdowns and Reynolds at his request, Maumee police said. About 45 minutes later, a passerby called a rescue squad to help Mr. Loss, who was found on the ground and determined to be highly intoxicated.

Mr. Loss was booked into the Lucas County Jail.

Maumee police said there was no intent to push off an intoxicated person to another jurisdiction. While not condoning its officer's decision, Maumee police said the man may have consumed more alcohol in Toledo before his arrest there.