Growling man blames wolf scratch

Thomas Stroup, 20, of Sheffield Township was arrested after attacking people and growling at police officers, blaming his behaviour on being scratched by a wolf in the woods. He also said he blacks out when the moon comes out.

Sheriff’s deputies were sent to Timber Ridge Campground early on Sunday after receiving a report of a “very violent,” out-of-control male. Stroup’s friend told dispatchers he had drunk too much alcohol and was fighting with other campers and had kicked a dog cage.



Deputies found Stroup passed out under a trailer that had its door open, revealing numerous knives, swords and edged weapons. They woke Stroup, who wouldn’t open his eyes and would only growl at them. Stroup, who spoke with a thick Russian accent, slurred his words and had difficulty standing.

As Stroup was taken to a cruiser, he yelled at a deputy, “I’m going to kill your cousin, Keith!” No one knew who Keith was. While en route to the Lorain County Jail, Stroup said he had been scratched by a wolf in the woods and blacks out when the moon comes out. He was charged with underage consumption of alcohol.