Toledo man charged with felonious assault after fight breaks out at rescue mission

8/4/2013

A man has been charged with felonious assault after a fight broke out at the Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission on Saturday, ending with another man seriously injured.

Police said Joseph Meyers, 52, and Houston Hart, Jr., 49, argued about Mr. Hart asking for 75 cents, which violated mission rules. Mr. Hart allegedly responded by assaulting Mr. Meyers at about 5:39 p.m, beating Mr. Meyers and throwing him down a flight of steps, Toledo police Sgt. Tim Noble said.

Police units responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they located Mr. Meyers on the basement floor. He appeared to be unconscious and was badly beaten, police said.

Mr. Hart was still at the scene when police arrived at the mission, 1917 Jefferson Ave. He was taken into custody and charged late Saturday with felonious assault. He remains in the Lucas County jail.

The Toledo Police Department said Mr. Meyers is in critical condition. He was taken to the Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, where hospital officials said his condition is not listed.