Woman cited for python

Woman cited for python
YOUNGSTOWN -- Police have cited Cheryl A. Wilson, 34, of 65 S. Belle Vista Ave., for keeping and maintaining a wild animal after a neighbor showed police a videotape of her 13-foot Burmese python.
The video was recorded Tuesday while the owner had the snake in the front yard.
When officers questioned Wilson, she invited them in to see the snake, which was left with her because no animal control officer was available to confiscate it, according to the police report.
Shots fired into home
YOUNGSTOWN -- Police are investigating a shooting in the 200 block of Dupont Street around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday.
According to police reports, a 20-year-old woman and her 2-year-old son were in an upstairs bedroom when they heard nine or 10 gunshots. The woman told police she grabbed her son and lay on the floor until the shooting stopped.
The woman discovered one bullet came through her son's playroom window and went through a wall into the child's bedroom. Another bullet entered the boy's bedroom window and ricocheted off a cinder-block wall.
The woman told police she has no idea who might have fired the shots.
Drive-by shooting
YOUNGSTOWN -- George Washington, 19, of Clay Street was in critical condition today in St. Elizabeth Health Center with a bullet wound to the head.
A witness told police Washington was a victim of a drive-by shooting on the East Side at 1 a.m.
Washington was hit as he pulled into his driveway.
Anticipating the gunfire, he placed his baby in the back seat beforehand, reports show.
Man arrestedon drug charges
YOUNGSTOWN -- Police charged Antwan Johnson, 23, of 156 Kenmore Ave. with aggravated trafficking, crack cocaine, and possession of drug-abuse paraphernalia after they searched a home in the 500 block of Evergreen Avenue. Police said they found five small black bags containing suspected crack, and one rock of suspected crack in his possession. Police also found four black-and-white bags of suspected crack and a scale with suspected crack residue on a table in the home.
Irish Clans festival
YOUNGSTOWN -- The planning committee for the "Gathering of The Irish Clans" festival will discuss plans for the cultural event at a 7 p.m. Tuesday meeting at Chrystal's Restaurant, 1931 Belmont Ave.
The "Gathering of Irish Clans" is a family Irish heritage celebration set for Aug. 18 at the St. Maron Recreation Area, 1555 S. Meridian Road. Anyone interested in helping with the cultural festival is invited to the meeting.
The "Gathering of The Irish Clans" is a nonprofit group promoting Irish traditions and cultural heritage. It is partially supported by donations from individuals, organizations and businesses. To become a sponsor, or for information, call (330) 533-7542.
Man awaiting rape trial called victim, police say
WARREN -- A 24-year-old man awaiting trial on four rape charges has been returned to the Trumbull County jail.
Common Pleas Judge W. Wyatt McKay increased bond for Christopher Fenton of Niles from $50,000 to $250,000 Wednesday.
As a condition of Fenton's original bond, he was prohibited from having contact with his accuser. Authorities say he violated that condition.
Fenton has been indicted on four counts of rape and one count each of aggravated burglary and kidnapping.
Girard police Capt. Frank Bigowsky said Fenton entered the woman's Girard home March 1 and sexually assaulted her at knife point. Her children were in the house.
Bigowsky said Fenton telephoned the victim Monday -- a call she recorded -- and then showed up at her home.
Her neighbors called police. Fenton now has been charged with criminal trespass.