MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — A man accused of beating an 88-year-old woman so badly that she was left with facial fractures, broken teeth and hearing loss, has been captured and charged, according to Maple Heights police.
A source confirmed to News 5 on Thursday that police had someone in custody but wasn’t yet charged. On Friday, police say that Ronald Jerome Thompson, 34, has been charged with felonious assault.
His arrest brought relief to residents in Maple Heights and workers inside 1 Stop Gas and Food Mart, where the 88-year-old woman was a regular customer.
"I'm like not in Maple Heights," said Marie Willis, who works at 1 Stop Gas and Food Mart. "That's what kept freaking me out, not out here in Maple Heights, this couldn't have happened in Maple Heights."
"We had nice little conversations," said Willis. "She brings us nice little gifts sometimes."
On the day of the attack she brought earrings.
Willis says the 88-year-old then headed across the street to sit and wait for the bus to take her home. The next thing Willis knew, there were sirens and flashing lights outside the store.
DNA evidence links Thompson to the attack, according to police.
Thompson is being held in lieu of $250,000 bond. His case has been bound over to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
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