Assault hospitalizes cab driver

SANDUSKY — A man allegedly attacked a local taxi cab driver, sending him to the hospital where, two days later, he remains hospitalized in rough shape. Just after 3 a.m. Monday, Sandusky police officers arrived to the scene on River Avenue off Cedar Point Drive for an assault complaint filed by victim and city resident Willard Shupe. The Register normally doesn't publicize victims in assault cases. But, in Shupe's case, he granted the Register permission to use both his name and photograph in hopes of raising awareness. Shupe told an officer a man approached his car. With Shupe sitting in the driver's seat, the man accused him of "talking to his girl." Shupe didn't know what the man was talking about. The man "then swung a fist at Willard through the open door window but missed," the report read. "The subject swung two more times and punched Willard (on) the left side of his face. Shupe then drove away." Officers noted Shupe's left eye "was swollen shut along with swelling and red marks on his upper left cheekbone, a report read. Shupe initially went to an area hospital but, as of midday Tuesday, is receiving treatment in a Cleveland-area facility. As of late Tuesday, Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver provided this update: "We have identified the suspect responsible for the assault. A warrant for his arrest has been issued, charging him with felonious assault. We are currently attempting to locate him." Friends established an online fundraising campaign to support Shupe. People can gofundme.com and search for "Willards recovery."