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Perry cops say man used kids as shield

PERRY TWP. — A man who police said used his children as a shield late Monday after officers forced entry into a Prospect Street apartment for a domestic is facing multiple charges, including felony aggravated assault.

Jeremy Fristik, 32, whose last known address was 335 1/2 Park Ave., East Palestine, was charged with the fourth-degree felony charge, along with misdemeanors for obstructing official business, child endangering, resisting arrest and domestic violence. He was also served with a warrant out of Columbiana County for failure to appear.

Fristik remains jailed under a $50,000 cash or surety bond after making an initial appearance in Columbiana County Municipal Court, where a preliminary hearing is set for July 1.

Perry Township officers responded to the 1100 block of Prospect Street and spoke to the 31-year-old female victim, who said her fiance, Fristik, started to verbally abuse her, then physically abuse her. She said her daughter skyped her grandma in Pennsylvania and the grandmother called police.

Police forced entry into the residence and that’s when Fristik attempted to use his children as a shield. The police report said he was intoxicated and became verbally abusive and refused to be placed under arrest. He told police he did nothing and was sleeping with his children. Police Chief Mike Emigh said officers had to hobble Fristik because he was resisting arrest and kicked the cruiser door several times. His legs were cuffed together and he was taken to the county jail.

The female was transported to Salem Regional Medical Center with multiple injuries. Salem Police had assisted at the scene.

According to Emigh, the male allegedly held a knife to the victim’s throat and banged her head off of the wall.

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