Struthers man charged with assault on police officer

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Carlton Watson of Struthers appeared in court Friday morning on a felony charge of assault on a police officer.

According to the report, Watson’s ex-girlfriend, and her parents visited the Struthers Police station Wednesday to request assistance in retrieving her belongings from Watson’s home on Terrace street. The report states she lived with Watson for the past two years, and they have an infant child together. She advised police that Watson had kicked her out earlier that day.

Later, Patrol Officer Benjamin Esposito arrived a little after 7 p.m. at Watson’s home to escort Waston’s girlfriend as she retrieved her property. Watson purportedly stood in the doorway holding the collar of his large German Shepherd in a threatening manner. Watson ignored orders to secure the dog by Esposito, but eventually handed it over to his ex-girlfriend.

Esposito informed Watson that he was being arrested for obstructing official business. A struggle broke out when Esposito attempted to place handcuffs on Watson. The officer was pushed into a corner of the living room. During the struggle, Watson allegedly attempted to choke Esposito, who eventually applied a “lateral vascular restraint hold” to his neck. Watson ceased struggling after feeling the restraint’s effects and allowed Esposito to secure him with handcuffs.

Watson was transported to the police station where an ambulance evaluated him for any medical injuries. The report states he did not make any complaints, and there were no observable injuries.

Esposito went to St. Elizabeth Youngstown to have his left hand evaluated.