OHIO — A Bellefontaine man was arrested early Friday morning after police say he was found unconscious outside a Speedway gas station and later resisted officers attempting to take him into custody.
According to the Bellefontaine Police Department, officers were dispatched around 12:45 a.m. to the Speedway on South Main Street after receiving a report of a man lying across an outdoor table and appearing unconscious.
When officers arrived, they found 48-year-old Justin Smith seated at a table with his upper body resting on the tabletop. Police reported that Smith’s face was inside a pizza box containing leftover pizza, and an open can of Twisted Tea was nearby.
Authorities said officers spent several minutes attempting to wake Smith by calling out to him, shining a flashlight in his direction and shaking the table. When he eventually responded, officers said he appeared disoriented, had difficulty speaking clearly and smelled of alcohol.
Police said Smith became agitated when questioned and denied drinking. Officers then informed him he was under arrest and ordered him to place his hands behind his back.
According to the report, Smith refused commands and resisted officers as they attempted to restrain him. Authorities said he continued struggling, yelling profanities and refusing to cooperate while being escorted to a police cruiser.
Smith was transported to the Logan County Jail, where police said he continued refusing commands and was eventually placed in a restraint chair. Officers later identified him through prior interactions and booking photographs after he allegedly refused to provide his name or date of birth.
Smith was charged with public intoxication, obstructing official business and resisting arrest.
