A story was reported yesterday by WOIO Cleveland 19 regarding the arrest of James Buckley for an incident that occurred Sunday, January 21, 2018.
On that day, a Mentor Police officer observed a person in a suspicious vehicle parked outside a closed business at 5:35 AM.
Upon the officer’s approach, the suspect exited the vehicle and entered the business through a side door.
The officer approached the vehicle and observed open alcoholic beverages as well as illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view. The officer then approached the business door and ordered the suspect to come outside. The suspect refused and indicated he would not comply.
A second officer arrived on the scene to assist with the suspect’s arrest and further investigate his entry into the building.
After several minutes of refusing to comply with officers’ orders to exit the building, the officers opened the unlocked door. The suspect immediately assaulted both officers with punches to their face and chest areas. During the struggle, all three persons were forced to the ground. The suspect’s assault on the officers, and active physical resistance, continued until he was handcuffed and in custody approximately 79 seconds later.
Both officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The suspect refused medical treatment and was transported to the Mentor Jail.
The suspect was subsequently charged with two counts of Felonious Assault on a police officer, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Official Business, and drug and alcohol charges.
The incident is the subject of an ongoing internal review since January 22, 2018. The suspect has filed a formal complaint against the officers involved. Results of the investigation will be made available upon completion.
The Mentor Police Department is in the process of complying with all Public Records requests regarding the incident.