Mentor Police identify man accused of prompting hours-long stand-off, hitting 2 bicyclists
Stand-off lasted 8 hours
LAKE COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - Mentor Police identified the man who allegedly hit 2 bicyclists and prompted an hours-long standoff on Wednesday.
The situation started around 11:00 a.m. when two bicyclists were struck outside the entrance to Headlands Beach by a white SUV.
Officers spoke with the two victims, a 68-year-old man and a 72-year-old man.
The 68-year-old man said that the man driving the SUV stopped, exited the vehicle, physically assaulted him and threw his bicycle into a nearby pond, according to the release.
The 72-year-old man said that the same SUV crossed the double yellow line and struck him head-on while he was riding his bicycle. The SUV then continued westbound on Headlands Road.
They were both taken to local hospitals for treatment for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Mentor city officials said the driver, identified as Michael Leppelmeier, 42, fled the scene and went to the home at 4755 Orchard Road.
Police said that when officers arrived at the home, Leppelmeier exited and approached officers with a knife.
Officers then deployed a taser, which struck him; however, he was able to turn and retreat inside the home, the release said.
The Mentor SWAT Team had to breach windows, deploy gas and insert a drone into the residence to attempt to get the suspect to surrender.
Despite these efforts, Leppelmeier refused to exit.
After 6:30 p.m., SWAT units entered the home and took him into custody.
He was taken to Hillcrest Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
When he is released, he will be charged in Lake County Common Pleas Court with aggravated vehicular assault, three counts of felonious assault and robbery.
Additional charges are pending.
19 Investigates dug into Leppelmeier’s background and found a criminal past going back more than 20 years.
Records showed Leppelmeier has prior convictions that include public indecency, attempted vandalism, and at least two OVIs.
He is currently on community control in connection with his 2024 public indecency case.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
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