Motorist is accused of assaulting trooper

4/13/2003

NORWALK, Ohio — An Ohio Highway Patrol trooper was assaulted yesterday during a traffic stop he made on State Rt. 18 near U.S. 20, just east of here, authorities said.

The trooper, whose name was not released, was treated at a local hospital, Sgt. Robin Schmutz, a patrol spokesman in Columbus, said.

The motorist, Thomas Toth, 43, of Grandville, Mich., was not hurt. Mr. Toth, who was charged with aggravated assault, was being held last night in the Huron County Jail last night, Sergeant Schmutz said.

Four children, ages 4 through 10, passengers in the Toth van, were not hurt and were to be released to their mother, she said.

At 4:55 p.m., the trooper stopped the Toth van for a marked lane violation. After the van pulled over, the driver allegedly confronted the trooper and a fight ensured, during which the trooper used pepper spray to subdue his attacker, the patrol spokesman said.