Fugitive caught in New York

ST. MARYS - A fugitive sought by police for beating a St. Marys man who later died was arrested Monday night in New York.

Gordon W. Diggle III, 29, also of St. Marys, was taken into custody without incident by New York State Police officers about 10:15 p.m. St. Marys Police Chief Greg Foxhoven said New York officers used information from an all-points bulletin to identify and stop Diggle's white 1989 Cadillac on an interstate highway in Tarrytown.

A warrant was issued last week for Diggle after he allegedly assaulted and robbed a man outside Friendly Tavern on South Main Street late Wednesday afternoon. He fled the scene in his car, according to the police report.

The victim, 64-year-old Steven Casad, St. Marys, died Sunday evening at a Dayton hospital from injuries allegedly suffered in the assault. Casad had undergone emergency brain surgery and remained in a coma until his death, law enforcement officers said.

Diggle, formerly of Massachusetts, is currently charged with aggravated robbery and felonious assault but more serious charges such as homicide are likely, officers say. Foxhoven said two police investigators are leaving for New York today.
"Our priority is to get him interviewed," he said. "At some point, he'll be brought back here after some type of extradition hearing."

New York officials have secured Diggle's vehicle, which also will be returned to St. Marys as evidence, Foxhoven added.

Foxhoven said he was not certain if Diggle was aware Casad died Sunday night.

"I don't know for sure if he knows but he was in contact with family and friends here so there's a good chance he does," Foxhoven said.

According to police, Diggle and Casad had spoken inside the bar before exiting the business together shortly before 6 p.m. Diggle allegedly lured Casad into a nearby alley where police believe he used his bare hands to beat the older man and take an undisclosed amount of cash.

Foxhoven told The Daily Standard this morning he's happy that Diggle was located.

"I'm really glad he's in custody," he said.

Foxhoven said the apprehension wouldn't have been possible without help from the Auglaize and Mercer County sheriff's offices, the Grand Lake Task Force and law enforcement officers in Massachusetts and New York.