Crime & Safety

Questions Remain After Falls Sledgehammer Incident

Off-duty Kent Police officer Mike Fleming subdued suspect at Wendy's in Cuyahoga Falls.

What made Andrew Meiser snap? As of now, the answer remains unclear.

Meiser, 45, of Cuyahoga Falls, is being held at a psychiatric hospital for evaluation following Monday evening’s spontaneous window-smashing incident at the on Howe Avenue, reported Fox 8 News.

According to witnesses, Meiser ate a meal at the burger joint, walked to a nearby , purchased a sledgehammer and returned to shatter four storefront windows, said Lt. Dale Gramley.

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“It was just another day,” said a Wendy’s employee who wished to remain anonymous. “Then, it was totally chaotic. People were yelling and running. Next thing I know, an off-duty cop is tackling (Meiser). I’ve never seen anything like it.”

By chance, Mike Fleming was eating dinner with his son when he saw a hammer blow through the first window. Fleming immediately ran outside, subdued the man and waited for backup.

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Cuyahoga Falls Police Chief Tom Pozza plans on writing Fleming a letter of recommendation for quickly diffusing the situation, said Gramley.

Upon his release, the police plan to charge Meiser with felonious vandalism and inducing a panic, he said.

The damage to the fast food restaurant is estimated at around $4,000. None of the customers or staff were hurt during the incident.


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