Ohio man accused of hitting children in head at Walmart, police say he found it exciting
By APFriday, March 12, 2010
Police: Ohio man hit children at store for thrill
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Police in Ohio say a man accused of striking children in the head with a key protruding from his fist while roaming a Walmart store did it for the thrill.
Sixty-eight-year-old Ralph Conone (kuh-NOH’-nee) was arrested at a Columbus Walmart on Wednesday and charged with assault.
Police say a mother reported that her 6-year-old said Conone hit him. The boy was treated for a minor cut on his head. Police say his 7-year-old brother also was struck.
Police say they’re looking for two other children seen getting struck on store video.
Investigators say Conone told them it was exciting to hit children with their parents nearby.
Conone’s public defender says his client is manic depressive. On Friday, a judge set bond at $150,000 and told him to stay out of Walmarts.
