After ingesting drugs, man damages Statehouse windows

Three windows at the Ohio Statehouse were broken and additional damage was done by a fire extinguisher that a man used to try and gain attention while seeking medical help.

According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, the man broke the first window, which is inside a door, early Monday morning. The man then went inside the Statehouse, used the fire extinguisher inside the Statehouse Rotunda and broke an internal window. A 911 call was placed by the man while he was inside the Statehouse. That 911 call was taken by Columbus police.

The man, who has not yet been named, then broke another exterior window to exit the building.

Columbus police officers found the man on the west lawn of the Statehouse near a statue of William Mckinley.

The man was taken to Ohiohealth Grant Medical Center for treatment. It is believed the man was having a reaction to illicit substances he had ingested. He remains hospitalized, according to the Highway Patrol.

The incident remains under investigation

by the Ohio Highway Patrol and charges are likely.

The windows that were damaged are expected to be replaced and were the only damage, aside from residue from the fire extinguisher that was used inside the Statehouse

On May 28, more than two dozen

windows at the Statehouse were damaged by protesters who attempted to gain entry into the building. In June, red paint was used by other protesters to put handprints across the Statehouse steps and walkways. bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner

PHOTOS BY BARBARA J. PERENIC/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Workers cleaned up the aftermath of a man who broke three windows at the Ohio Statehouse early Monday morning and sprayed a fire extinguisher in the rotunda before placing a call to 911. The man, who is still hospitalized, told authorities he was “seeking medical assistance” after ingesting drugs.

The incident remains under investigation and charges are likely.