YOUNGSTOWN Mugging suspects set for trial

Bond is set at $600,000 for each man.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two men accused of going on a crime spree that included mugging walkers in Wick Park are set for trial next month in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Christopher McBride, 21, of Berwick Avenue, and Jamal Bullock, 30, of Liberty Road, were arraigned Tuesday before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum, who set bond at $600,000 cash for each of them.
Both face six counts of theft, three counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of robbery and one count of burglary. Their trial is scheduled for Oct. 30 before Judge Krichbaum.
What police allege
Police say the suspects approached a 62-year-old man in the park on the city's North Side, who alerted other walkers. Then they stole a wallet from another man who was walking with a friend.
The suspects then approached a couple in their 60s. The woman was hurt when she either fell or was pushed to the ground, police said.
After the men circled the park in their car, they threw out the wallet they'd taken from the second victim, police said.
The next day, the same suspects are believed to have robbed an elderly couple on Melvina Avenue on the city's East Side, taking two checks worth a total of $100 and some jewelry.
McBride and Bullock wore Trumbull County Jail inmate uniforms at their arraignment because they are being held there on charges of rape, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, kidnapping and receiving stolen property.
Also arraigned Tuesday was 26-year-old Jesse Driver III of West Glenaven Avenue, who is charged with murder. Judge Krichbaum set his bond at $1 million.
Accused in shooting
Driver is accused of shooting Charles A. Green, 24, of Lansdowne Boulevard on Sept. 1. Green died three days later. Authorities said the motive was a woman both men were interested in.
Green was found slumped behind the steering wheel of a car in the 600 block of Ridge Avenue. He had been shot in the right side of his head, neck and shoulder.
bjackson@vindy.com