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Toledo police: Armed man aimed rifle at teens, shouted racial slurs

A court document states the severity of the charges were elevated due to allegations of ethnic intimidation.

TOLEDO, Ohio — A man was charged with multiple felony counts after he allegedly aimed a rifle at several teens and shouted racial slurs in west Toledo Monday afternoon. 

In a Toledo police report, officers said they responded to the 2000 block of Talbot Street at approximately 3:30 p.m. regarding a weapons call. Police said they spoke with three juveniles, aged 14, 15 and 15.

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According to a court document, the teens told police 64-year-old Arthur Whitcomb III "gave the appearance of loading a rifle," then pointed the firearm at the teens. While doing so, Whitcomb allegedly shouted racial slurs at the teens. Whitcomb claimed to police he aimed the firearm after the teens allegedly challenged him to come outside.

Police arrested Whitcomb and transported him to the Lucas County Jail. Officers also recovered four firearms from the home. 

Whitcomb was charged with four counts of aggravated menacing, knowingly cause to believe serious physical harm. Each count is a fifth-degree felony. 

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In a court document, authorities said the severity of the situation was enhanced because the incident fit the criteria of ethnic intimidation. 

A judge set Whitcomb's bond at $10,000 for each of the four charges, totaling to $40,000. 

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