CLEVELAND -- Former Cuyahoga County Judge Lance Mason has been charged with felonious assault for the events that occurred following his ex-wife's death during the weekend.
Court documents say Mason drove his ex-wife's 2015 Audi SUV into a police cruiser while attempting to flee the scene Saturday. The impact caused the officer's feet to leave the ground with his lower legs still exposed outside the car. Documents say the officer suffered serious injuries to his lower legs and ribs. He and Mason were both treated at a local hospital for their injuries.
Mason fled on foot and was arrested soon after.
The assault occurred after Mason allegedly killed his ex-wife, beloved Shaker Heights teacher Aisha Fraser. Her body was found in the driveway of a Chagrin Boulevard home Saturday.
Fraser's boyfriend told WKYC that Fraser owned the home and rented it out to Mason's sister. Fraser was reportedly dropping off the couple's children when she was killed by Mason, who was allegedly waiting for her at the home. Mason's sister called 911.
The assault charges were filed Monday, but charges related to Fraser's death have not been filed.
Mason pleaded guilty in 2015 to attempted felonious assault and domestic violence and served nine months in prison. Police say Mason punched his wife 20 times and slammed her head against a car dashboard five times as they drove with their children. His wife’s injuries required reconstructive surgery. According to court documents, Ms. Mason sued him in civil court, and was awarded a $150,000 judgment.
Mason, who was also a former state representative and state senator, was removed from his judge seat roughly a month after the Aug. 2014 incident. His status as a convicted felon prohibits him from serving as an Ohio judge in the future, and the Ohio Supreme Court has also indefinitely prohibited him from practicing law.
However, Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson hired Mason in 2017 to serve as the city’s director of minority business administrator. Some speculated U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge played a role in the hiring, which she denied.
Mason was still employed by City Hall at the time of today's incident. However, the city released a statement Saturday evening saying it was "aware of the arrest" and announced he was terminated "effective immediately."
Shaker Heights School District closed all of its buildings Monday and Tuesday to make grief counselors available to students and staff.
A candlelight vigil was held Monday outside Woodbury Elementary School, where she taught.