YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Wednesday, April 17, 2024) – 36-year-old Zachary Crespo has been sentenced to 14 to 17 years behind bars after pleading guilty in January of 2024 to Felonious Assault and Aggravated Robbery, with an accompanied Firearm Specification. This all stems from an incident in Beaver Township where Crespo assaulted a Beaver Township Police Officer, prompting assistance from multiple local and state law enforcement agencies.
“We will always fight to protect our fellow law enforcement officials,” says Prosecutor DeGenova. “Zachary Crespo caused serious harm to an Officer who puts his life on the line each and every day to protect the people of Mahoning County.”
In May of 2023, police responded to a domestic disturbance in progress. The Beaver Township Police Officer was first on scene. Upon hearing screaming from inside the home, the Officer entered the garage and knocked on the door. The Officer was then attacked and brutally beaten by Crespo, who also removed the Officer’s duty weapon and fled. After a lengthy search, Crespo was apprehended.
The hectic scene bolstered a heavy response from local and state law enforcement, due, in large part, to a mistaken belief that the Officer was shot. In all, over 150 officers, 4 tactical elements, 2 drone teams, and one airship were utilized that night.