Austin Street resident, 83, dies after assault

2/9/2009

An elderly Toledo woman died yesterday after she was assaulted during a burglary at her home over the weekend.

Cecilia Sobecki, 83, of 567 Austin Street, identified in some reports as Ceicilia Sobecki, died yesterday at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

A cause of death has not been determined, Dr. Cynthia Beisser, deputy Lucas County coroner, said last night.

According to a Toledo police report, Ms. Sobecki was discovered in a living room chair about 11 a.m. Saturday by neighbors who care for her.

The neighbors, who were not named in the report, saw the back door had been forced open and found the telephone on the floor when they reached Ms. Sobecki.

Ms. Sobecki told police that a white female broke in and demanded money. When Ms. Sobecki refused, the suspect pushed her to the floor twice.

The woman, who has not been identified, took $700, two checkbooks, Ms. Sobecki's identification card, and a bottle of Vicodin painkiller from the home.

Police say they believe the incident occurred sometime after 10:30 p.m. Friday.

Also, a victim of a felonious assault early Sunday was admitted to St. Vincent Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition last night.

Brian Smith, 31, was stabbed at Monroe Street and 21st Street around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Toledo police arrested James Stills, 25, of Toledo and charged him with felonious assault.