Campbell police arrest man in officer assault

CAMPBELL

Paul Crenshaw, 70, of Campbell was arrested on a felony charge in the assault of a police officer Monday evening.

Crenshaw's wife called police and said her husband was threatening to harm her and her children.

Crenshaw was standing in the front yard of his home on Tremble Avenue when police arrived.

According to the report, Crenshaw ignored officers' request to calm down, and appeared intoxicated due to slurred speech, and was staggering.

Crenshaw chest bumped Sgt. Kevin Sferra, and was standing nose to nose with Sferra with clenched fists.

Sferra placed a hand on Crenshaw's chest, and attempted to move him back. Crenshaw then shoved Sferra, causing the officer to move five feet back, and almost fall, according to the report.

Officer Eric Manning tackled Crenshaw to the ground. Crenshaw attempted to punch Officer Manning, but grabbed the officer's lapel microphone from the outer vest carrier.

Crenshaw maintained a grip on the microphone, which was considered a blunt force weapon. Officer Manning struck Crenshaw in the face three times with his left fist, but missed contact on the fourth time with his wrist watch scraping the top of Crenshaw's head. Crenshaw became dazed enough for police to handcuff him.

According to the report, Crenshaw sustained a bruised and swollen left eye, a small abrasion on the top his head, bleeding from his nose, a swollen left upper lip, and a missing tooth. He refused treatment.

Officer Manning sustained cuts, and abrasions during the altercation.

Crenshaw was then transported to Mahoning County jail.