Man faces felonious assault charge

staff report

CANFIELD — A Youngstown man is charged with felonious assault after police said he attacked his friend of 30 years.

Douglas O’Kernick, 53, was taken into custody Tuesday evening by Canfield police after officers arrived and saw blood on his knuckles and pant leg.

The 46-year-old victim, who said he’s known O’Kernick for about 30 years, said the two were discussing sports and drinking beer. He said O’Kernick disagreed with one of his opinions and attacked him, striking his face several times with a closed fist.

Police found O’Kernick standing in the upstairs bedroom of the Newton Square Drive home, while the victim was on the floor of the same room trying to use the telephone.

O’Kernick told police he didn’t know what had happened because he had been out with co-workers and hadn’t seen the victim.

Police said the suspect appeared to intoxicated .

The victim suffered a cut above his left eye, a large bump on his left cheek, several deeps scratches on his neck and a cut above his right eye. He was treated by Canfield EMS and taken to St. Elizabeth’s Health Center. Police said because he was in and out of consciousness, a trauma team was awaiting his arrival at the hospital.

O’Kernick was taken to the Mahoning County Jail.