HERMITAGE Cops nab suspect at motel

HERMITAGE, Pa. -- An Austintown man wanted on aggravated arson charges in Youngstown is in Mercer County Jail, awaiting extradition to Ohio.
Authorities caught up with Scott Gregory Moretti, 32, of East Viola Avenue, at the Starlite Inn on state Route 18 in Hermitage around 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Police said agents of the Mahoning County Violent Crimes Task Force and the FBI tailed a 24-year-old Youngstown woman, identified as his girlfriend, from Youngstown to the Starlite, suspecting she might lead them to Moretti.
She entered the motel room and, when authorities outside identified themselves, Moretti refused to come out, police said.
He barricaded the door with the woman still inside and authorities didn't know if he was armed. Shortly before noon, they shut off all traffic on the four-lane Route 18 while they attempted to negotiate his surrender.
Moretti gave up shortly after noon and the only weapon found in the room was a penknife, police said.
Moretti was arraigned before District Justice Henry Russo on a fugitive from justice charge, and Justice Russo ordered him held on $250,000 bond, pending extradition. Police said the woman was released without any charges.