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Attacker Pleads Not Guilty After Canfield Fair Lunging

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Amy Acton was lunged at by armed attacker Patrick Havas at the Canfield Fair.
Ohio State Highway Patrol detained Havas and recovered two handguns, a Taser and brass knuckles.
He was charged with two misdemeanor assaults, disorderly conduct and inducing panic, then pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Lynn Maro said video evidence precludes felony charges.
Governor Mike DeWine, Sen. Jon Husted and Sen. Sherrod Brown condemned the incident.

History

Historical Context

On May 4 1970, the Ohio National Guard fired about 67 rounds, killing four Kent State students and wounding nine, sparking nationwide protests and reforms to campus security and crowd-control. Today, Ohio State Highway Patrol seized two handguns, a Taser and brass knuckles from Patrick Havas after he attacked Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair. The Kent State legacy drives tighter Ohio weapon-restriction policies.

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Story summary

Dr. Amy Acton was lunged at by armed attacker Patrick Havas at the Canfield Fair.
Ohio State Highway Patrol detained Havas and recovered two handguns, a Taser and brass knuckles.
He was charged with two misdemeanor assaults, disorderly conduct and inducing panic, then pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Lynn Maro said video evidence precludes felony charges.
Governor Mike DeWine, Sen. Jon Husted and Sen. Sherrod Brown condemned the incident.

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