COLUMBIANA CO. Man found innocent in shooting
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- A 39-year-old Perry Township man accused of firing shots at police officers will be evaluated by mental-health professionals to determine if he should be institutionalized. Judge David Tobin of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court determined Wednesday that Andrew Swetye of 1201 Depot Road is innocent by reason of insanity.
Judge Tobin ordered the mental evaluation after making the ruling, which was based on an assessment of Swetye's mental health.
Doctors determined that Swetye suffers from paranoid personality and delusional disorders, said John Gamble, assistant county prosecutor.
After a further examination, mental-health authorities will recommend whether Swetye should be placed in a mental hospital until his condition stabilizes.
They may also recommend that he be released from custody but on condition that he take medication and submit to periodic monitoring.
Judge Tobin set a hearing for 2 p.m. Dec. 2 to review the recommendations. Swetye will continue to be held in the county jail at least until the hearing.
He was charged with two counts of felonious assault after authorities say he fired shots in the direction of Perry Township police officers Sept. 7.
The gunfire, which resulted in no injuries, occurred when officers arrived at Swetye's home to check on him after family members expressed concern about his condition.