Woman’s neighbor charged with assault

DELPHOS — A man who was definitely not a good neighbor has been arrested in connection with the assault of an 88-year-old woman who lived next door.

Delphos police charged Andrew M. Lucas, 26, of 619 Dewey St., with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, in connection with the assault of Margaret Ditto of 603 Dewey St. and the burglary of her residence.

Police Chief Kyle Fittro said Lucas confessed to the crime while being interviewed by police and also said he altered his appearance after the incident to avoid detection and apprehension. He also admitted to ingesting large amounts of marijuana, intravenous heroin and intravenous bath salts just prior to the incident, and attributes his behavior to the effects of the bath salts.

Lucas is currently being held without bond in the Allen County Jail and is expected to appear in court at 2 p.m. Monday, July 25, on the aggravated burglary charge, which carries a maximum prison term of 3-10 years in prison. Additional charges are being reviewed as police consult with prosecutors concerning the case.

Chief Fittro commended the victim for her actions — and help — in the case. “Margaret is a remarkable lady; even after being badly beaten, she had the intelligence and strength to get up off the floor and escape through the front door while Lucas’ attention was diverted,” he said. “She provided exceptional information to the police and was one of the key components in the solving of her own case. I have great respect for the way she handled herself throughout the entire incident.”

Delphos police received a call at about 9 p.m. Thursday from a passing motorist about a woman who appeared to have been assaulted in the 600 block of Dewey Street.

The 88-year-old victim said she had been home when an unidentified man came to her door and asked to use the telephone. Although she refused, the man forced his way into the home and assaulted the woman, hitting her several times in the face, and then began to search for valuables.

The woman fled the house and was spotted by the motorist, while the intruder fled from the residence.

The victim was taken to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, where she was treated for multiple, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Several police officers were at the scene, as well as a crime scene technician from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

Chief Fittro said the investigation has produced a “person of interest,” but that person’s identity is not being released at this time.

He did commend the passing motorist and others who helped the victim in the case.

“Their actions may have prevented this incident from becoming far worse,” Chief Fittro said. “They did an outstanding job.”