In Pain

Ohio Disciplinary Counsel had filed a complaint alleging, in part, misconduct arising from threats of suicide by the attorney that were communicated to the Wooster Police Department

Later that day, WPD received information that respondent was driving to the United States Military Academy at West Point, possibly with the intention of dying by suicide in front of his son.

WPD issued a law enforcement bulletin regarding respondent.

The bulletin indicated that respondent was intoxicated, possibly suicidal, and had a firearm.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (“WCSO”) identified respondent’s vehicle and began following it with the assistance of officers from the Smithville Police Department (“SPD”).

WCSO relayed respondent’s location to WPD.

Multiple cruisers from WPD, WSCO, and SPD intercepted and stopped respondent’s vehicle.

After a standoff where Respondent allegedly told officers to shoot him

Rather than arrest respondent, WPD took custody of respondent under R.C. 5122.101 and transported him to the Wooster Community Hospital for an emergency mental health evaluation.

Upon intake at the hospital, respondent’s blood alcohol concentration was .247, over three times the legal limit.

Criminal conduct

respondent entered a guilty plea to one count of Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle.

There are also allegations of domestic violence; his spouse sought a divorce.

In the divorce case

During cross-examination, respondent was highly agitated and did not directly respond to questions.

From the transcript

Q: And are you listed as the respondent on the civil protection order?

A: I suppose so, and this is bullshit, too, I would never hurt my wife, I would never hurt her.

The Court: Mr. Haven, as an officer of the court, you should know better than to curse in the courtroom, but certainly, I’m —

A: I’m in pain here, I’m in pain. I’m a human, not only a person, I’m a human and this is the rest of my life right here. After this, it’s all over, that’s the rest of my life and if you want to send me to jail, send me to jail. I don’t care at this point, just give her zero and send me to jail. It’s so frustrating why she did this to me, I don’t understand, I tried to be—

Mr. Reynolds: Rod.

A: —the best husband. Yes, Craig?

Mr. Reynolds: Can you just answer the questions, so, we can get done.

As a result of concerns

After a short break, Magistrate Svec suspended the hearing because she was concerned that respondent was either incompetent to proceed or that any further proceedings could result in respondent having a mental health crisis.

Magistrate Svec was also concerned about the safety of the people in the courtroom because of respondent’s highly agitated state.

the magistrate ordered a psychological evaluation. (Mike Frisch)