Mark Howington, 52, hosts a Christian radio show in Toledo, Ohio. Howington was arrested at a Target store last week for slapping a woman on her butt inside the Target lady’s restroom, according to a February 16 report from ABC News affiliate WLOX.
The surprising assault shocked victim Debrah Piechowski who told police that as she entered the lady’s room, Howington – who was waiting inside the bathroom – violently pulled the door inward. As she walked by him, he “slapped her butt cheek really hard,” according to an excerpt from the police report shared by The Toledo Blade. Piechowski also told police that she had never met Howington prior to this incident.
After she got smacked, the very upset Piechowski was quoted by WLOX as saying “I just wanted to go after him, because I didn’t want him to get away. And I said ‘I need security right now.’ And the manager came over to me and said ‘Ma’am can I help you?’ I said, ‘Yeah, some guy just assaulted me – hit me on my rear-end coming out of the lady’s restroom.'”
“He never turned around,” said Piechowski. “Never said a word. He hit me real hard and kept walking real fast.” ~ per ABC 13
Target personnel called police to the scene. When police arrived, they described Howington as being uncooperative as he wouldn’t divulge his name. When police searched him, they found a screwdriver tip in one of his pockets and a small jar of Vaseline inside one of his socks. Piechowski said that although Howington may have some problems, she wasn’t going to drop the matter. She also said that she hopes he gets some help.
Howington was arrested following the incident last Thursday and was charged with simple assault, carrying a concealed weapon, and obstructing official business. After posting a $1,000 bond, he was released from the Lucas County Jail on Saturday.
Howington is the co-host of a morning show on Proclaim FM, WPOS-FM 102.3 in Holland. He’s also the Christian radio station’s music director. Following his arrest, Howington was placed on suspension from the station. His bio has since been removed from the station’s website.
Barry Fissel, a board member for WPOS-FM said that those who know Howington are shocked at the charges against him. WLOX quoted Fissel as saying “We prayed for the woman who had reported the conduct to the police and we prayed for Mark and his family and the woman and her family. And that’s what we’re asking our listeners to do too, is just keep them in your prayers.”