WARREN TOWNSHIP Man incompetent for cop-assault trial

The defendant will be placed in a psychiatric center until he is competent to stand trial.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A judge in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court has determined that a 59-year-old Warren Township man is not competent to stand trial.
Judge John Stuard ruled that Gerald Harnar of Parkman Road is incapable of assisting in his own defense.
Harnar is facing a charge of felonious assault on a peace officer and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence.
Judge Stuard said Harnar will be placed in a psychiatric center until he is competent to face the charges. The judge issued his ruling after a brief hearing Wednesday.
During the hearing, attorneys for both sides told the judge that a psychologist tested Harnar and determined that he is not able to understand the charges or help his attorney defend him.
Atty. James Lewis of the Ohio Public Defender's Commission is representing Harnar.
The court will have Harnar tested periodically to find out if his status has changed, court officials said.
Standoff, assault
Harnar's charges stem from July 2001, when he had a standoff with police. Harnar's 85-year-old mother called police to say he had assaulted her.
When Warren Township police arrived at the house, Harnar fired three shots, they said. The officers were not injured.
Township police then called surrounding agencies and asked for assistance. Harnar refused to come out of his home or talk to police.
Lt. Donald Bishop and Chief Thomas Rush said Harnar was armed with a .22-caliber rifle and had ammunition throughout the one-story home.
After waiting for three hours, officers decided to enter the residence. Harnar shot and wounded Deputy Mike Davis of the Trumbull County Sheriff's Department, police said.
Davis, 31, spent two days in the hospital and was on sick leave for several weeks.
sinkovich@vindy.com