Toledo man arrested on abduction, assault charges

2/18/2006

A Toledo man was arrested last night after he attempted to abduct two juveniles and punched a police officer, police said.

Austin Armstrong, 19, who gave police several addresses, was taken to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center because of unusual behavior, police said. He was to be booked into the Lucas County jail on charges of robbery, assault on a police officer, criminal damage, and two counts of abduction, police said.

About 8:30 p.m., a man jumped into a car at Airport Highway and Wenz Road with two 17-year-olds inside. He ordered the female driver to take him to North Toledo, police said. Once they reached the I-75 exit at Stickney Avenue, the man exited the vehicle. Police say he ran to the Citgo gas station, 1708 East Manhattan Blvd., and broke a window. When he was caught by police while running southbound on I-75, he resisted arrest and punched Officer Tanja Farrell in the face, the police said.