WARREN After 12 years on the run, man will be jailed for theft

He was arrested by Washington, D.C., authorities.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A 54-year-old man who ran from local authorities for 12 years now is sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Jeri Patterson, who in 1992 pleaded guilty to a count of theft, was back in a Trumbull County courtroom Wednesday for his sentencing.
Common Pleas Judge W. Wyatt McKay sentenced Patterson. He is expected to be taken to Lorain Correctional Institution as soon as possible to begin serving the sentence, court officials said.
Diane Barber, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said authorities here located Patterson after he was arrested on a charge in Washington, D.C.
"He was acquitted of the charge in Washington, D.C.," Barber said. "I'm not sure what that charge was but when he was arrested there, police there noticed that we had a warrant out for his arrest. I don't think he has had any other arrests because if he had, authorities would have contacted us due to the warrant."
Court officials said in 1992 Patterson pleaded guilty to the theft charge but never returned for sentencing.
What happened
Police said Patterson, who lived on North Road Northeast, Niles, robbed a man in 1991.
According to police, the man Patterson robbed was from Indiana. The victim had met a woman at a sandwich shop on Highland Avenue and went back to her Martin Drive Southwest home.
While at the woman's home, two men burst into the home, officials said.
One man held a knife to the victim's throat while another took his wallet and $45 from a shoe.
The victim fought with the men, was able to get the knife and stabbed Patterson, reports state. The other intruder fled the scene.
Patterson was taken to a local hospital.
Court officials said the victim in the crime died a few years ago.
sinkovich@vindy.com