Man arrested after fight and threats made to Austintown police

Man arrested after fight and threats made to Austintown police

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Austintown police arrested a 36-year-old Warren man in the early morning hours on Dec. 26, charging him with felonious assault.

Bruce B. Von Bergen of Lexington Avenue is also charged with aggravated menacing, for saying he would hurt an Austintown police officer, according to a report; and resisting arrest.

Police were dispatched to Bill’s Place on Mahoning Avenue for a fight with a possible gun involved. Police found two men wrestling on the sidewalk outside of the business.

Police found a box knife on the ground and were told the knife was used by Von Bergen.

When the men separated, police told Von Bergen to put his hands behind his back, but he did not listen. Once in handcuffs police informed him he was under arrest and he responded with obscene language toward the Austintown officers.

Police said in their report that he appeared to be intoxicated.

Witnesses at the bar told police Von Bergen started to throw punches so they escorted him out. Once outside, Von Bergen pulled out the box cutter and swung it at people, the report said.

Von Bergen continued to threaten and say offensive comments toward the police.

His court date is set for 1 p.m. Dec. 30 in Mahoning County Court in Austintown.

He was taken to the Mahoning County jail.

Police said they added an additional count of aggravated menacing because of the comments and threats Von Bergen made on the way to the jail, including threats he made to kill the Austintown police officer.