Police: Ohio man hit children at Walmart for thrill

By: ASSOCIATED PRESS | Culpeper Star-Exponent
Published: March 12, 2010

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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.