A man upset because he was denied use of another individual’s cell phone was arrested Monday, March 10, after he vandalized a tent in the area of the 300 block of West Sandusky Avenue, officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department report.
Tommy Neeley, 61, at-large, was charged with criminal damaging after officers responded around 10:40 p.m. to north Elm Street and west Sandusky Avenue on a report of vandalism. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victims, a man and a woman, as well as Neeley. All three individuals are homeless and reside in tents under the bridge in the 300 block of West Sandusky Avenue.
The female victim told police that Neeley had asked to use her phone earlier in the evening, and she refused. He later reportedly demanded to use it again, and she refused a second time. In response, Neeley stabbed the victims’ tent with a knife while they were inside, officers report.
Neeley admitted to puncturing the tent. He also claimed the male victim had taken a pack of ramen noodles from his tent.
Neeley was transported to the Logan County Jail. Neeley was accompanied by his dog at the time of his arrest and insisted it was a service animal that should be lodged with him in the jail. The dog was housed at the Bellefontaine Police Department until arrangements could be made.
