Youngstown officer assaulted outside bar

YOUNGSTOWN — A city officer who was working a side job providing security for Pal Joey’s Bar on East Midlothian Boulevard was punched by an unruly patron, police report.

Mike Cox was stationed outside the bar at 12:40 a.m. Saturday when Nicholas Davis, 19, of Austintown was asked to leave, the police report said.

Davis came outside, where companions and Cox tried to persuade him to go. But Davis tried to get back inside, the report said.

As Cox tried to block his way, Davis punched him in the mouth, the police report says. Davis grabbed Cox and tried to wrestle him to the ground, but Cox took him down with a sweep to his legs.

Davis was handcuffed, but continued to kick and hit Cox again, the report says. Cox used pepper spray to subdue him.

An ambulance came and treated Davis. Then he was taken to a hospital because a relative who was at the scene indicated he may have mixed alcohol and prescription medication, the report said.

Davis was told he was under arrest for assault on an officer, disorderly conduct and falsification. The report said he did not provide correct identification.