Man who grabbed cop's holstered gun gets a year in jail

YOUNGSTOWN

A man who was convicted of pulling on the gun of a police officer during a concert last October at the Covelli Centre was sentenced to one year in the Mahoning County jail today.

Michael Merzlak, 28, of Medina, was given the sentence by Judge Lou A. D'Apolito.

Merzlak was convicted of aggravated robbery Aug. 4 in a bench trial in common pleas court.

Reports said Merzlak was drunk and grabbed officer Marc Gillette's gun while it was still holstered.

Prosecutors were recommending four years in prison.