University of Toledo student held for alleged assault

10/22/2012

A University of Toledo student is being held in the Lucas County jail for allegedly assaulting several students and police officers early today.

JaVonn Morgan, 18, of Perry, Ohio, is charged with one count of felonious assault and two counts of assault, according to jail records. Mr. Morgan is a first-year student.

University of Toledo police were called to a reported assault at the Academic House, on-campus housing at 1760 W. Rocket Dr., at 1:27 a.m. When police arrived, a witness told officers that a man went into the residence hall and assaulted a desk worker.

The man went to the first floor and reportedly started a fight with several other men there, the report states. One of the officers went to the first floor and saw several men trying to "detain" Mr. Morgan.

Officers attempting to detain Mr. Morgan were allegedly assaulted, according to documents filed in Toledo Municipal Court.

Officer Homer Chapa was reportedly kicked in the chest and hit his head on a wall. Charging documents state the officer was diagnosed with a concussion at Toledo Hospital.

Sgt. Douglas Perry and Officer Fred Cerrone were reportedly kicked several times as they tried to arrest the suspect for assaulting Officer Chapa. Both officers were treated at Toledo Hospital; Sergeant Perry was diagnosed with a sprained wrist; Officer Cerrone was diagnosed with a knee contusion, according to court documents.

The investigation is ongoing, but in a statement from the university, officials believe drugs might be a factor in the incident.

Mr. Morgan is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Toledo Municipal Court.