Charge amended for man accused of assaulting officer

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A man accused of assaulting a city police officer pleaded no-contest Friday to an amended charge.

Judge Elizabeth Kobly found David Liller, 19, guilty of misdemeanor assault on the day he was to have a preliminary hearing on a fourth-degree felony charge of assaulting a police officer, as well as a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest.

Under the felony, Liller could have gone to prison if he was convicted. With the misdemeanors, he faces a maximum sentence of six months in the Mahoning County jail on the assault and 30 days for the resisting arrest.

Assistant City Prosecutor Jeffrey Moliterno said he agreed to the arrangement because of Liller’s youth and the fact he has no prior criminal record.

Liller was arrested about 12:50 p.m. May 26 in the 1500 block of Pointview Avenue. Reports said an officer on patrol spotted Liller’s car parked against traffic and stopped to write a ticket. Liller came out of a home and said he would move the car. The officer told him he could move the car after the ticket was issued.

Liller then tried to get inside the car against the officer’s orders and the two struggled when the officer tried to arrest Liller, reports said. Liller suffered a bloody nose during the struggle.

As Liller was taken into custody, reports said another man, Jonathan Gabrelcik, accused the officer of hurting Liller and challenged the officer to a fight. He was arrested on charges of menacing and resisting arrest as well.

He also had a hearing set for Friday, but it was continued.

Liller will be sentenced July 13.