Suspect charged after mirror on vehicle hits Toledo police officer

8/1/2007

A 47-year-old man is to be arraigned today in Toledo Municipal Court on charges he struck a Toledo police lieutenant in the arm with a vehicle s side mirror while driving.

Mark Thompson, of 2708 Robinwood Ave., is charged with felony assault on a police officer and failure to comply with a police order. He was being held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $10,000 bond on each charge.

Four members of the police bike unit saw Mr. Thompson in the middle of Ray Street in central Toledo about 1:10 a.m. yesterday making a drug transaction, police said.

Mr. Thompson got into a 2004 Ford Escape and Lt. Mike Troendle chased him, told him to shut the vehicle off, and get out of it, police said.

Mr. Thompson struck Lieutenant Troendle in the forearm with the driver s side mirror as he drove off, police said. Mr. Thompson then drove west on Lincoln Avenue, south on North Detroit Avenue, and east on Palmwood Avenue.

The bike unit lost sight of the vehicle for a short time, but then spotted it at Dorr Street and Forest Avenue. Mr. Thompson got out of the vehicle, and officers wrestled him to the ground and arrested him.