Police: Men had stolen rifles in car
YOUNGSTOWN -- Three rifles stolen during a burglary in Negley were found in the trunk of a car during a routine traffic stop Monday on Market Street, police said.
The driver, Andrew Wichert, 20, was charged with driving under suspension, and his front-seat passenger, Joshua C. Hughes, 22, was charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia (crack pipe). Both men are from Columbiana. Another passenger was released at the scene.
Wichert didn't show Tuesday for arraignment in municipal court, and a warrant was issued. Bond was set at $4,000 for Hughes.
Dana C. Guarnieri, an assistant city prosecutor, told Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. that she anticipates more charges to be filed here against the men. She added that Columbiana authorities intend to file burglary charges against them.
Members of the Street Crimes Unit made the traffic stop around 7:30 p.m. Monday after Wichert failed to stop for a stop sign on Kenmore Avenue, reports show. Police said the crack and pipe were found near the front passenger seat, where Hughes had been seated.
In the trunk, police found three rifles wrapped in a blanket and inside a red bag.
At the jail, police noticed that Hughes was covered in mud and overheard him tell a deputy that he had earlier run through a cornfield. Police then contacted the Columbiana Sheriff's Department and learned that three rifles and a bow had been stolen earlier Monday from a house on Mansfield Road in Negley.