Accused in robbery

Accused in robbery
SHARON, Pa. -- Police arrested Terry L. Hall, 54, believed to be living on Fourth Avenue, after he was accused of trying to rob another man at knifepoint at the Sheetz convenience store at Oakland Avenue and East State Street around 1:30 a.m. today. Police said Hall approached a city man sitting in a van in front of the store and pulled out a large knife, demanding the man's wallet and threatening to kill him. When his intended victim refused to cooperate, Hall tried to stab him but only cut the man's hand. At that point, the man's mother walked out of the store and Hall started moving toward her, police said, prompting the man to put his van in gear and ram into Hall, knocking him down. Hall wasn't injured and faced arraignment today on charges of robbery, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Arrested in Florida
SHARON, Pa. -- A man sought by police for a June 2002 assault that cost a city man an eye has been arrested in Florida. Willie Phillips, 35, whose last known address was on Florence Street in Sharon, was picked up a week ago in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a fugitive warrant from Sharon police. Phillips has been returned to Mercer County to face charges of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault. He was in Mercer County Jail this morning awaiting arraignment. Police said he is accused of attacking a North Street man June 30, 2002, punching him once in the left eye. The victim's eye had to be removed by surgeons, police said.
More charges face teen
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- Police have charged a 16-year-old borough boy with forcing a 9-year-old boy to perform oral sex on him. Police said the assault occurred in a building on Alan Avenue between July 4 and July 14. Police said there was a 14-year-old boy with the two at the time. The 16-year-old is being held in a juvenile detention facility on charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, indecent exposure, kidnapping and unlawful restraint. Police said he's the same boy charged with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and criminal mischief in a burglary Tuesday at the Greenville Sports Complex in West Salem Township. The same younger boys were with him at the time and face the same charges.
Assault on counselor
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A 46-year-old counselor at the Youth Development Center in Shenango Township was assaulted by one of the inmates, Pennsylvania State Police said. A 17-year-old male became violent when confronted about a previous discipline problem, according to the report. Police said the suspect pushed the worker over a desk and chair, choked him and punched him several times in the chest and head at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. The victim was treated at Jameson Hospital for cuts and bruises. The 17-year-old was charged in juvenile court with simple assault and harassment.
Police seek shooter
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Police are searching for a man who shot several bullets into a car window, injuring the driver. Albert McFall, 18, of Hamilton Street was being treated at Jameson Hospital this morning. He was shot in the back and arm around 8:05 p.m. Thursday on Long Avenue, said Police Chief John Kindel. McFall apparently knew the shooter and the two had an ongoing dispute, the chief said. The shooter was apparently a passenger in a van that pulled up near the car. The man got out of the van and started firing into the victim's back window. Four passengers were unhurt, Kindel said. Kindel said he expects charges to be filed today and a warrant issued for the man's arrest.
Death ruled a suicide
LEETONIA -- The Mahoning County Coroner has ruled the shooting death of a 29-year-old Leetonia man a suicide. Chris Orincsak of West Main Street died Tuesday in St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown. The shooting occurred Monday evening. Leetonia police Chief John Soldano said the coroner's ruling was based on his own investigation and that of Leetonia police and investigators from the Columbiana County prosecutor's office. Soldano said Orincsak was inside the home when he shot himself with his own .22-caliber handgun.
Damage to vehicle
SALEM -- A man reported that his vehicle was damaged while it was parked on the 800 block of West Pershing Street. All four of the vehicle's tires were flattened and the steering column was broken. A license plate also was stolen, police said. The crime was reported around 5:40 p.m. Thursday.
Grant for Sandy Lake
SANDY LAKE, Pa. -- The Sandy Lake Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Relief Association has been awarded a $70,083 federal grant to help pay for operations and safety initiatives.
The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters program.