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CANFIELD -- A man was arrested by Mahoning County Sheriff's deputies at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fair on Sunday afternoon.
Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield, is at the Mahoning County jail on charges of felony assault and disorderly conduct, according to jail records. No bond was set, and he likely will appear in Mahoning County Court in Canfield on Tuesday because the court is closed for Labor Day.
The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office said Havas entered the tent around 2:30 p.m. Sunday and was using his cell phone to record a visit to the Canfield Fair by gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton, who was speaking to the crowd gathered at the tent. As he was entering the tent, Havas started pushing his way through the crowd.
Acton’s security detail, which was made up of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, confronted Havas, and as that was happening, two people were knocked to the ground, the sheriff's office report states.
Havas was quickly taken into custody by Canfield Fair police officers. After his arrest, two handguns and a set of “brass knuckles” were recovered. Investigators said no weapons were ever brandished or even removed from their holsters.
Detectives with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their investigation into the incident and will be filing charges after consulting with the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office.
Troopers with the OSHP will be investigating any potential threat assessment, and questions concerning that part of the case should be addressed to the patrol, the sheriff's office statement said.
Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman Chris Anderson said Havas had multiple weapons and knocked volunteers to the ground while Acton was visiting the tent. Mahoning County Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Maria Pappas said the suspect had a gun, a stun weapon and brass knuckles when he was arrested.
"The Mahoning County Democratic Party abhors political violence in all forms. What happened at our tent today during today’s visit from Dr. Acton is reprehensible and should be condemned by leaders on all sides of the aisle," Anderson said in an email. "We’re grateful for all the kind words from everyone. I don’t know why he was there -- that’s for law enforcement to discover, but I’m grateful that the Ohio State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement officials stopped the situation before anything could happen, if malice was his intent."
He also said party leaders are grateful for the quick response by local law enforcement officials, as well as the OSHP, which was providing security for Acton.
"Because this is now an ongoing investigation, we will refer all questions to law enforcement," Anderson said.
Acton's campaign released the following statement:
"While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people. Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured. This kind of violence has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another," said Addie Bullock, communications director for the Acton campaign.
The Vivek Ramaswamy and Rob McColley for Ohio Campaign released the following statement following the incident:
“Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence. What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope that no one was hurt,” said Connie Luck, communications director for Vivek for Ohio.
Ramaswamy also was at the Canfield Fair on Sunday and was campaigning after the altercation involving Acton.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also released a statement Sunday afternoon.
"Fran and I are thankful that Dr. Amy Acton was not hurt, and we send our thoughts to those who were injured. We spoke to Dr. Acton this afternoon and she said to share with Ohioans that she is OK. We are grateful for the quick work of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement on the scene at the Canfield Fair today when a man tried to forcefully push himself toward Dr. Acton as she was speaking and injured other attendees at the Mahoning County Democratic Party booth.
"Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable. This case is now in the hands of law enforcement and will be investigated thoroughly," DeWine said.
According to online court records, Havas' only conviction in Mahoning County was a disorderly conduct conviction in 2008 after he was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and petty theft, the latter of which was dismissed. In that case, Havas was accused of stealing three videos from the Canfield Giant Eagle -- "The Untouchables," "Full Metal Jacket" and "Casino Royale," court records show.