Code Enforcement Officer Assaulted
- Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation
- Mar 3, 2023
- 2 min read
2023 - Columbus police arrested a man for allegedly dragging a City of Columbus code enforcement officer while holding an axe.
March 3, 2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus police arrested a man for allegedly dragging a City of Columbus code enforcement officer while holding an ax Thursday morning.
Police responded to a call for assistance near the 100 block of south Ashburton Road around 10:30 a.m. Thursday. At the scene, officers found a City of Columbus code enforcement officer who said she was assaulted during an inspection of a home in the area.
Police said the officer was at a home along the 100 block of South Ashburton Road to perform an inspection regarding an ongoing court case. The code enforcement officer told police she believed the home was vacant and was walking around the side of the house when she heard a noise coming from inside.
The code enforcement officer told police she started to walk back to the front of the home when a man came out and started swearing and yelling.
The man, now identified as Anthony Margiotti, allegedly grabbed her by her shirt collar and hair and dragged her across the yard to her car, which was parked on the street.
According to court documents, Margiotti was holding an ax in his other hand as he dragged thecode enforcement officer to her car. Police said she was unable to free herself from Margiotti's grip.
Her car was clearly marked on the side that she was from theCity of Columbus Code Enforcement section, according to court documents.
Police said, Margiotti eventually let her go, and she ran away.
According to court documents, Margiotti then took his ax and smashed all the windows of her car and her work computer that was in the front seat.
Margiotti was taken into police custody by CPD officers. During a pat down, Margiotti allegedly spit into the face of an officer, according to court documents.
Margiotti is facing multiple charges including kidnapping, interfering with the function of government, and harassment with bodily substances. He is currentlybeing held in the Franklin County Correction Center at Jackson Pike and is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday.
“We are thankful that our code officer was not physically injured in the attack that occurred yesterday while performing her duties. In addition, our thanks go out to the Columbus Division of Police for their quick response and apprehension of the individual involved. Our code officer is resting at home and will have our full support when she returns to work.” Scott Messer, Director, Department of Building and Zoning Services.
Building and Zoning Services said violent incidents like this are extremely rare.
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