Man says he was kidnapped, tortured after losing pair's pit bull

6/4/2007

A 55-year-old man said he was bound with duct tape and beaten with a hammer, a board, and fists during two days that he was held in the basement of a South Toledo home because he lost a pit bull that belonged to his assailants, according to police.

Last night, Jada Farthing, 30, of 556 1/2 Carlton St. was being held in the Lucas County jail on felonious assault and kidnapping charges in the case.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Robert Lawhorn, 30, of 2158 Mellwood on the same charges.

An additional suspect, a male in his 20s known to police only as "Ding-Ding" from 511 Miller St. was wanted.

The victim, Anthony Pierson, was in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, where he is in good condition after suffering from lacerations and other wounds.

Police were called when the man arrived in the emergency room.

The man told officers his ordeal began Wednesday after he lost a pit bull that belonged to the alleged assailants.

While walking in the central city at West Bancroft and Forest Avenue, the victim said he was punched and thrown into a vehicle by Mr. Lawhorn, who took him to Ms. Farthing's basement where he was bound and tortured for two days.

The victim was released from the basement Friday and was in such pain that friends made him go to the emergency room, police said.