Local state trooper charged with assault

by Amulya Raghuveer
WNWO NBC24
Jul. 13, 2010

SYLVANIA, OHIO -- An Ohio State trooper involved in a car crash months ago has been arrested and charged with assault after a drunken fight at a Sylvania hotel.

Police say Jason Urbina, 25, with the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Defiance Post, was attending a wedding at the Wingate Hotel, 5480 S. Main St. Saturday night when he was involved in a fight with a guest from another wedding party.

Witnesses say Urbina got into a verbal argument with Ryan Fisher in the hotel parking lot late Saturday. After both men started pushing each other, Urbina then struck Fisher, pushing him onto the ground before continuing to attack him.

After police arrived on the scene, Urbina maintained that he only pushed Fisher to the ground and did not strike him. However, at least three witnesses say otherwise and authorities say Fisher's injuries were inconsistent with Urbina's statement to police.

Fisher was transported to Flower Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His condition is unknown at this time.

Urbina was arrested at the scene and charged with assault. Authorities say his commanding officer, Sgt. Edwards of the Defiance Post, has been advised of the incident. Urbina has been booked into the Lucas County Jail.