Trustee Column

Let me start my column with a number of housekeeping items. 1. I have had a number of calls regarding police levy signs on Rt. 82 and Olde 8 Road. This is a levy for Northfield Center residents. Sagamore Hills has NO levies on the ballot this November.

2. A resident new to Sagamore Hills called and asked what we could do to settle an argument between him and his neighbor. Zoning Inspector Ray Fantozzi does not survey property lines and is not an arbitrator of disagreements between neighbors. This is a civil matter that is resolved by hiring an attorney. This has been the legal opinion of the Summit County Prosecutor.

3. Do not tamper with anyone’s political yard signs during this election season. If caught, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and the fines can range between $100-$200 in the Stow Municipal Court.

Police

Sagamore Hills police, on occasion, have had to use force on individuals who are agitated and combative. Police Chief David Hayes approved officer Ryan Shelby to be trained and certified on the use of a pepper ball gun. This is a tool that may be employed to help restrain people who are totally out of control. This will be used in an event where a suspect may hurt themselves, others or a police officer.

In a perfect world, when engaged with police, a great outcome is when a suspect complies with a lawful directive and the matter is resolved on scene or at the police station. Using a pepper ball gun is a less lethal alternative than using a beanbag shot or a Taser gun. Unfortunately, when a suspect is under the influence of drugs, reasoning becomes impossible and restraint is employed.

There was a domestic violence incident where use of a pepper gun might have been useful. In early September, police went to an apartment where a boyfriend and girlfriend had a heated argument. The boyfriend ducked out the back door of the apartment when he saw police. The girlfriend had signs of redness on both sides of her face and neck. The victim explained that her boyfriend had choked her and struck her several times in the face. Patrolman Ryan Ennis located the boyfriend and he was placed under arrest. This incident occurred on a Friday.

The victim got a temporary restraining order and the boyfriend was taken to Summit County Jail. His arraignment was set for Monday. After his arraignment, he returned to Sagamore to renew the argument. Sagamore Hills Police Department was called and the boyfriend fled towards Akron to elude police. Between Sagamore and Akron, the boyfriend tried to commit suicide. This was a scenario where use of force may have been employed. The boyfriend was successful in evading police, but was unsuccessful in harming himself. He was later caught and is now in Summit County Jail. The police were thankful they did not have to use force on the suspect. Chief Hayes encourages couples to resolve their issues without using violence.

Call if you have any questions at 330-467-4970. ∞