Man damages hotel elevator while trapped

A Pennsylvania man who got stuck in a hotel elevator spent the night in the Cobb County jail after he allegedly damaged the elevator trying to kick his way out.

Richard J. Shevlin, 22, intentionally damaged the elevator at the Comfort Inn in Smyrna by kicking it, according to his arrest warrant.

Shevlin, of Eagleville, Pa., was arrested early Friday morning and charged with felony criminal damage. He posted $1,000 bond and was released at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

“…While trapped in the elevator, the accused became angry and began kicking the elevator doors even though hotel staff was trying to help him get out,” the warrant states. Damage was at least $500, according to the warrant.

The elevator door was knocked off its tracks and fixtures inside the elevator were knocked down, according to Smyrna police.

Shevlin was highly intoxicated at the time of the incident, police said. He could not be reached for comment later Saturday.

Management at the hotel declined to comment Saturday evening.