LISBON — A former Leetonia man accused of attacking a Leetonia police officer and trying to take his service weapon in October 2024 and attacking a deputy sheriff in April 2024 will remain committed to a mental health facility.

Randy A. May, 48, formerly of Mill Street, had a six-month review for continued commitment during a hearing in Common Pleas Court before Judge Megan Bickerton.

Bickerton found that based on a report of Heartland Behavioral Healthcare, May remains a mentally ill person. She also found that the least restrictive commitment alternative available, consistent with the welfare of May and public safety, remains commitment to Heartland Behavioral Healthcare in Massillon.

The commitment will be reviewed again during a hearing set for June 4, 2027.

May was found not guilty by reason of insanity for two counts of felonious assault and one count of aggravated robbery, all first-degree felonies, for the attack that left Leetonia Patrolman John Hancock injured.

May was accused of using a 2-foot-long solid steel rod to beat Hancock about the head and face on Oct. 21, 2024 on Pearl Street in Leetonia. The felonious assault charges alleged that he caused harm to the officer and used a deadly weapon to cause the harm. The robbery charge stemmed from May grabbing for Hancock’s service weapon during the assault. Hancock has since recovered.

May was also found not guilty by reason of insanity of fourth-degree felony assault for striking a deputy in his side and then striking him again during an incident at his Leetonia residence when deputies responded for a person having a mental health crisis on April 11, 2024.

Bickerton had determined that as a result of mental illness, May did not know the wrongfulness of his acts.

mgreier@mojonews.com