MANSFIELD — Law enforcement was called to help a Mansfield Police officer at St. Peter’s Catholic Church after a disturbance occurred at a “Feed the Needy” event, according to MPD Capt. Shari Robertson.
According to Robertson, a Mansfield Police officer was working an off-duty detail for the meeting when one person began acting disorderly.
While attempting to break up the fight and place a subject under arrest, the officer was then assaulted by two females who attempted to climb on his back and strangle him, the captain said.
“As the officer tried to take him into custody, others intervened — they jumped on his back,” Robertson said.
The officer requested help over the radio. Due to the unknown number of persons involved and at the event, dispatch requested assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, resulting in a multi-jurisdictional response. Additional Mansfield Police day shift officers arrived on scene and were able to gain control of the situation.
The melee resulted in the arrests of four people, with charges ranging from obstructing official business, resisting arrest, and assault on a peace officer.
“No officers were injured and one subject was transported to OhioHealth for shortness of breath, treated, and then incarcerated at Richland County Jail on charges related to the incident,” Robertson said.
“It is my understanding that this incident did not affect the school areas and/or students and was contained to the church where the event was being held.”
St. Peter’s School confirmed in a press release that shortly after noon Tuesday an emergency call was made to the Mansfield Police Department by an off-duty police officer working as security for the “Feed the Needy” program, held in the church basement.
“The Mansfield Police responded quickly to the disturbance and no one was seriously injured as a result of the incident,” the school stated. “This incident did not take place in a school building and did not involve any of St. Peters’ School students, faculty or staff.
“We have operated the ‘Feed the Needy’ lunch program as a ministry to the residents of the city of Mansfield for more than 23 years, and we are thankful for the support of the Mansfield Police Department who are quick to respond and keep our campus safe on a daily basis.”
The “Feed the Needy” program at St. Peter’s will be canceled for the rest of the week (March 11, 12, & 13).
