Man's body found

Man's body found
YOUNGSTOWN -- A man's body was found by a homeless man scavenging through a vacant house at 1688 Liberty Road, police said.
The unidentified victim, a shoeless black man in his mid-30s, was found at the bottom of the basement steps. The body was turned over Wednesday to the Mahoning County Coroner's office and the case assigned to detectives.
Lt. Robin Lees said the victim may be a man reported missing from Austintown. Lees said there were no obvious signs of trauma.
False report alleged
NILES -- City police have charged a 16-year-old girl with filing a false police report after reporting she was abducted Feb. 2 at the Eastwood Mall. The girl told police that she was taken at the mall and forced to drive to Mosquito Lake State Park, where she said she was molested by an unidentified person.
Capt. Charles Wilson of the city's detective division said, "These types of reports are upsetting to business owners, shoppers and residents alike when they are true, let alone someone fabricating a story of this type."
Car seat inspection set
YOUNGSTOWN -- Parents can get a free car seat inspection Saturday at Transit Service Inc., 1122 E. Midlothian Ave. A certified technician will be available between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to provide a no-cost check-up of car seat safety features.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling (330) 884-4031. The service is sponsored by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program, the National Safe Kids Campaign and Transit Service.
Burglary, theft reported
YOUNGSTOWN -- The overhead door at Legend Auto Works on Cherry Street was reportedly forced open and items taken from several customers' cars inside the business. The break-in was discovered Wednesday. Miscellaneous tools and a laptop computer belonging to the business also were stolen, police said.
A break-in was also discovered Wednesday at a trailer office at Tipron Auto Sales on South Blaine Avenue. The padlock was cut off to gain entry. Tools were taken.
Man shot; cocaine found
YOUNGSTOWN -- A search for one of three men suspected in the shooting of Andre Whitlock, 21, of North Truesdale Avenue led police to 89 North Truesdale Wednesday afternoon. Police didn't find the suspect, but did find three bags of what they suspect is cocaine.
A resident, Juan Cruz, 20, was arrested on a charge of possession of cocaine. The shooting victim was interviewed by police at St. Elizabeth Health Center, where he was treated for wounds in the right thigh and buttock. He said a man from 89 North Truesdale and two others came to his house wanting to fight. He said he was shot as he tried to go back into his house.
Learn about a president
POLAND -- The Friends Bookstore at Poland Library is running a sale to commemorate Presidents Week, during which readers can buy used books for half price or less. All biographies of presidents and other leaders are available for $1 or less.
The sale runs Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bookstore, located on the lower level of the library, 311 S. Main St., is operated by the Friends of the Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
Warm up with some chili
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Blue Light Restaurant & amp; Lounge will host a chili cook-off Sunday to benefit Adrianna "Boo" Cannell of Austintown. Adrianna, 7, suffers from a rare form of spinal cancer called Rhabdoid. She is being treated at Akron Children's Hospital. The cook-off is $10 per entry.
Entrants must bring their chili to the restaurant, 3136 Belmont Ave., in a crockpot by noon Sunday. Admission is $5 for judging and tasting, which takes place from 1 to 5 p.m.
Funds also will be raised through auctions and raffles. Donations to the Adrianna "Boo" Cannell Cancer Fund can be made at any local Bank One. For more information, call (330) 759-8484.
Felon faces indictment
CLEVELAND -- A federal grand jury has indicted Theodore D. Lutton of Rogers on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gregory A. White, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said five firearms were found in Lutton's possession on Jan. 5.
The indictment report didn't include Lutton's criminal record.