A routine Cleveland traffic warrant arrest spiraled into a felony investigation after a man in the back of a police cruiser allegedly kicked the door, threatened officers, and said he wanted to put a shotgun to a judge’s head. Dontay Turpin now faces a felony vandalism charge tied to the alleged cruiser damage, and investigators say he could face additional charges over the threats.
Turpin was arrested on a warrant involving driving under suspension, according to FOX 8 News, and was placed in the back of a Cleveland police cruiser. Once inside, he allegedly kicked the cruiser door and damaged the vehicle, prompting the felony vandalism charge now pending against him. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2909.05, vandalism causing damage to government property or property essential to a government function is classified as a fifth-degree felony when the damage is under $7,500, carrying a potential sentence of six to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.
While in the cruiser, Turpin allegedly threatened Cleveland police officers and said he was going to lose his job. The station’s report also captured Turpin allegedly threatening to put a shotgun to a judge’s head and telling someone, “You will never live another day.” At one point, a Cleveland police officer can be heard telling Turpin, “You’re making it worse than it has to be.”
Additional Charges Could Follow the Threats
The FOX 8 I-Team found that the investigation into Turpin’s behavior inside the cruiser is ongoing, and per the same account, he may face additional charges beyond the initial vandalism count. Ohio law includes several statutes that could apply to threats made against public officials. Threatening a public official, police officer, or judge with the intent to influence or intimidate them in the discharge of their duties can trigger a third-degree felony charge under Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.03 for intimidation, carrying penalties of nine to 36 months in prison and fines up to $10,000…