Police reviewing case against man who fled cruiser

6/16/2006

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority police have not yet decided whether to file charges against a man who kicked out a police cruiser window and jumped onto eastbound I-475 Wednesday evening after being detained for causing a disturbance near Toledo Express Airport.

Until any charges are filed, a port authority official said the agency won't identify the man. During an attempt to flee along the freeway's median, he was subdued with a Taser and taken to Toledo Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Port authority police Chief Mark Fisher said yesterday he was reviewing investigative reports filed yesterday by officers involved in the incident, and he expected an official report to be completed today.

Mary Frederick Coy, the agency's staff legal counsel, said it would be inappropriate to name the man if he has not been charged with anything.

Chief Fisher confirmed that the man was being taken to Rescue Mental Health Services after his detention in connection with a disturbance outdoors on airport property.

He was handcuffed at the time he kicked out the window and jumped out of the cruiser. Traffic was halted for about 30 minutes on eastbound I-475 after the 8 p.m. incident.

An internal investigation is under way within the port authority police department, Chief Fisher said, because of the Taser's use.

It is the first time a port authority police officer has used one of the stun-gun devices other than in training. Tasers deliver a shocking electrical charge through barbs that can penetrate clothing and remain connected to the gun by wires.