Facing firearms charge

Facing firearms charge
YOUNGSTOWN -- After Darnell Jones passed a school bus unloading passengers on Southern Boulevard, he was pulled over by police and a loaded gun was found in his car Tuesday afternoon, reports show. Jones, 20, of East Judson Avenue, was arraigned Wednesday in municipal court on charges of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, driving under suspension and failing to stop for the bus. Bond was set at $25,000, and he will be back in court April 12. Records show Jones has a charge of carrying a concealed weapon that has been pending at Mahoning County Common Pleas Court since May 2005. He was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon in April 2005 (charge filed in April 2004) and placed on two years' probation.
Gunfire reported
YOUNGSTOWN -- A report of gunfire between two men sent police to the 40 block of Roslyn Avenue, where officers spoke to a man who said he struggled with a gunman during a robbery attempt around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. The victim, an 18-year-old Delaware Street man, received a slight wound on his left forearm from a muzzle flash, police said. When questioned about the exchange of gunfire, the victim denied any knowledge of an exchange.
Counterfeit bills found
YOUNGSTOWN -- Three counterfeit $20 bills found on pupils at East Middle School were confiscated by police. Although an initial police report said the bills had been made at the school, Sandy Mislevy, the principal, said Wednesday that the only color printer at the school is for adults only and the bills were not made at the school. On Tuesday, a teacher saw a 14-year-old boy with a large number of bills, police said. When searched, the boy didn't have the bills on him. Two other pupils who had three fake $20s said they had got them from the boy. The case has been turned over to juvenile authorities.
Salvation Army's mission
AUSTINTOWN -- The Salvation Army's Red Kettles will be out the week before Easter, manned by bell-ringers seeking funds that will be sent to mission partners overseas, Salvation Army spokesmen said. The local Salvation Army's goal is $3,100 for the overseas missions, they said. Anything over that amount will be used to further the Salvation Army's mission here.
Maple Syrup Festival
BOARDMAN -- The 29th annual Maple Syrup Festival runs this weekend at Boardman Park Community Center. Events run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free outdoor events include camping techniques, Civil War re-enactments, hayrides and a maple syrup demonstration. Humility of Mary Health Partners will host a blood drive Sunday. Indoor events include Civil War antiques and a living-history display, Boardman Historical Society Display, Boy Scout basket display and raffle, maple syrup sales, woodcarvers and watercolor display and sale. The Boardman Rotary's pancake and sausage breakfast also runs throughout the festival. The cost for the breakfast is $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and younger.
Facing years in prison
YOUNGSTOWN -- A Struthers man faces up to 67 years in prison for aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, kidnapping and weapons violations. Frederick J. Harris, 19, of Elm Street, appeared Wednesday before Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Harris pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary, three counts of aggravated robbery and three counts of kidnapping, all with firearm specifications. He will be sentenced April 19. The indictment says Harris broke into a Harvey Street home last June and used a gun to rob and kidnap two men and one woman who were inside the house.
Police charge 2
YOUNGSTOWN -- A woman who police said was flagging down cars in a high prostitution area and the man who picked her up at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday near Hillman Street each were charged with loitering to engage in solicitation. Danny L. Shoemaker, 29, of Main Street, New Middletown, was arraigned Wednesday in municipal court and released on his own recognizance. He will be back in court May 9. Shannon Apperson, 30, of West Earle Avenue, also wanted by Austintown police on an outstanding warrant, was not in court Wednesday but will appear at a later time. Police said Apperson became sick at the jail and was taken to the hospital. Once released, she was to be turned over to Austintown police.