Akron man faces charges in jump off docking ferry

7/18/2006

PORT CLINTON An Akron man who took an unconventional way to disembark from a weekend ferry was charged with inducing panic and disorderly conduct for jumping into Lake Erie as the boat was docking, police said yesterday.

David Pelfrey, 23, Akron, is scheduled to appear in Port Clinton Municipal Court tomorrow on the charges, Chief Bob Rogers of the Catawba Island Township police said.

The Miller Boat Line ferry was returning to the mainland from South Bass Island around 9:30 p.m. Sunday when he jumped in and swam to the dock.

Several dock hands helped pull him out of the water, the chief said.

He was intoxicated, Chief Rogers said. He said he had no idea why he jumped.

The ferry s propellers continue to spin after the ferry docks and its passengers disembark, the police chief said, creating a hazard for anyone who may be swimming near the vessel.

It s kind of a dangerous thing to do because he could be sucked under, he said.