Toledo official held on domestic violence, assault charges

12/10/2004

The manager of administrative services in the city of Toledo's Economic and Community Development Department was arrested yesterday after an alleged domestic violence incident at his West Toledo home.

Kenneth Spruce, 48, of 1309 Thatcher Drive, was charged with domestic violence and assault, both misdemeanors. He was being held in the Lucas County jail pending arraignment today in Toledo Municipal Court. He is accused of choking his wife, Gemma, 45, at their home about 7:35 a.m.

Police were sent to their residence on a domestic violence call. Mrs. Spruce said the pair were arguing and then her husband grabbed her by the arms, took her to the floor, and started to choke her. She struggled with him and he stopped, according to a police report.

Police said Mrs. Spruce had red marks around her neck and what appeared to be light swelling.

Mr. Spruce inquired about filing charges against his wife, but police told him they wouldn't at this time because he said the two were just arguing, he had no visible confrontation marks, and he was determined to be the primary physical aggressor, the report stated.

Mr. Spruce was hired by the city in May, 2002. The matter is under investigation, and his job status is unknown, said Mary Chris Skeldon, Mayor Jack Ford's spokesman.