Mentor Man Accused Of Trying To Slash Someone At Local Motel

A Mentor man is accused of trying to force his way into a motel room where a family member was staying Wednesday evening, Mentor Police Sgt. Mike Kloski said.

Jeffrey Mercer, 57, got into an argument with his niece and her boyfriend and he tried to shove his way into their room at , Kloski said.

Meanwhile, the niece and boyfriend tried to hold the door closed.

Mercer pulled a black switchblade. He slashed at but never struck his niece's boyfriend, Kloski said.

Mercer eventually gave up and went away. Then the niece and boyfriend called the police.

Mentor-on-the-Lake Police found Mercer -- who was drunk, Kloski said -- and arrested him.

Mercer was charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and carrying a concealed weapon.

Judge John Trebets arraigned Mercer Thursday morning in Mentor Municipal Court. He set Mercer's bond at $93,000, which has not been posted yet.

Mercer's next court hearing is scheduled for May 31.