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Man arrested in Stark County after alleged lawn mower chase

William P. Wackerly, 83, was booked into Summit County Jail on a slew of charges, which include felonious assault, resisting arrest and criminal trespass.

CLEVELAND — A Canton man was arrested Thursday morning after leading police on a chase while riding a lawn mower, according to Perry Township police.

Authorities say William P. Wackerly, 83, was allegedly operating a lawn mower at the intersection of Southway Street Southwest and Genoa Avenue Southwest and led officers on a pursuit after they attempted to initiate a traffic stop. 

Wackerly escaped police and the pursuit was terminated near Hazelbrook Street, but the 83-year-old was arrested some time later. 

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Wackerly was charged with the following:

  • Felonious assault
  • Failure to comply with order or signal of officer (felony)
  • Resisting arrest
  • Obstructing official business
  • Failure to comply with order or signal of officer (misdemeanor)
  • Criminal trespass
  • Driving under suspension
  • Operating a vehicle at a slow speed/impeding traffic

Court records show Wackerly has a lengthy criminal history. He was found guilty of domestic violence and criminal trespass in separate cases in October and November of 2023 and is currently on probation for making false alarms, for which he was found guilty on April 30.

Wackerly was booked into the Stark County Jail following his arrest Thursday. 

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