Man pleads innocent to Trumbull fair fireworks mishap

Staff report

WARREN

James N. McElroy, 67, of Ripley, Ohio, pleaded innocent Tuesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court to one felony count of prohibitions concerning exhibitors and fireworks relating to an incident during last summer’s Trumbull County Fair.

Judge Andrew Logan set bond at $2,500. McElroy was indicted by a Trumbull County grand jury last month. If convicted, he could get up to 18 months in prison.

The Trumbull Sheriff’s office said McElroy, owner of Broken Horn Rodeo, set off fireworks during the rodeo performed at the fair July 6, 2012, without a license.

Mounted Trumbull Deputy Allen Smith, 75, of Orangeville, was thrown from his horse, which was near the grandstand, because of the fireworks, the sheriff’s office said.

Smith broke three ribs, suffered a punctured lung and broken shoulder in the fall.

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