Police release sketch of man who attacked cab owner

Sketch of the suspect

Toledo police released a composite sketch of a man who attacked an owner of a cab company on Friday as he sat outside his Vinton Street home to pay employees.

William Barnes, 74, owner of Eagle Cab, 1327 North Huron St., remained in critical condition at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center last night.

Detective Terry Cousino prepared the drawing yesterday based on descriptions of two witnesses who saw the assailant.

Police said Mr. Barnes was seated with a man outside his house at 708 Vinton about 4:45 p.m. Friday when an employee drove up to be paid. When Mr. Barnes gave $102 to the employee from a wad of cash, the man seated nearby got up and beat Mr. Barnes with a ball bat, taking about $2,300, police said.

The assailant fled on foot after the employee refused to give him keys to his taxi. He was described as being 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a medium build.

Mr. Barnes' wife, Helen, said last night the family is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever committed the crime.

Mrs. Barnes said she and her husband have operated the business for 18 years.