By Adam Mawson, The Morning Journal
Original publication date: March 16, 2011

Sandusky, Ohio — A 26-year-old Sandusky man talked himself into an extra charge when he called 911 on a cell phone from inside a holding cell at the Sandusky Police Department.

Joseph Walsh used his cell phone on Sunday to call 911 and told the dispatcher he was being held against his will, according to a Sandusky police report.

Walsh was in jail on accusations he tried to start a fight with patrons at the Water Street Bar, 101 E. Water St. Officers went to the bar around 3:18 a.m. where they saw Walsh arguing with other patrons. He was warned to calm down and several people escorted him across the street to a vehicle.

Officers heard Walsh continue to argue with his friends, who also asked him to calm down and when he shoved another man away from him, he was arrested, according to the report.

Before putting him into a cruiser, an officer searched Walsh and found a bag of cocaine and a rolled up $20 bill. On the way to the police station, Walsh was “belligerent and turbulent with officers,” the report stated. After being placed into a cell, Walsh screamed and pounded on the cell door. When he refused to stop he was handcuffed to the cell door in the back of the holding facility.

After officer left him, Walsh used his cell phone to call 911 and complained he was being held against his will. A disoriented Walsh said he was unsure where he was being held.

An officer went into the holding cell and took the cell phone from Walsh. An additional charge of misuse of 911 was added to the charges of possession of cocaine and persistent disorderly conduct while intoxicated and he was taken to Erie County Jail.

About the Author
Contact Adam Mawson at [email protected].

Reprinted courtesy The  Morning Journal, Lorain, Ohio.