Armed robberies increase; stadium shooting shocks

At least one business holdup ended tragically.
YOUNGSTOWN -- In a city accustomed to being labeled dangerous, a daring daylight murder witnessed by hundreds of spectators -- including children -- at a peewee football game in August shocked the community.
An uptick in armed robberies in 2006, some violent and at least one deadly, also added to the lawless perception that has plagued the city for decades.
The suspect in the shooting death of 31-year-old Larry D. Jones at the football stadium behind Eagle Heights Academy remained at large for six weeks after the homicide Aug. 19.
The cross-country manhunt for Anthony M. Caulton, 25, ended Oct. 2 in Bremerton, Wash. Caulton was returned to Mahoning County on Oct. 31 and remains in jail in lieu of 5 million bond.
New Bethel Church on Hillman Street held a recovery session for parents, children, coaches and church members to help them deal with what they witnessed at the game. The meeting included prayers, coping methods and assurance that future games would be safe. No security had been provided when Jones was shot in the stands but police were on hand for championship games in late October.
City Prosecutor Jay Macejko said the detectives on the case, Pat Kelly and John Kelty, uncovered credible witnesses who were able to identify Caulton as the shooter.
The prosecutor said the detectives had to overcome obstacles early on, including witnesses not being forthcoming with details. The crime took place amidst a crowd of roughly 600.
Witnesses responded after police held a press conference and made a plea for tips.
More armed robberies
Armed robberies, meanwhile, often topped the daily news in 2006.
Acting alone or with accomplices, robbers preyed on convenience stores, gas stations, fast-food restaurants, pizza shops, bars, discount stores, banks and more.
Aside from handguns, the suspects, often covering their faces with hoodies or masks, used a variety of weapons to scare their victims. Reports show BB guns, screwdrivers, knives and a box cutter were used.
At least one business holdup ended tragically. In May, 52-year-old Edward Agee, a clerk at the Auto Zone on McCartney Road, was shot and killed during an armed robbery.
In October, a 78-year-old Austintown woman's face was sliced with a box cutter by a man who took her car and purse at the Giant Eagle in Cornersburg. She escaped by falling out the passenger side of her car.
meade@vindy.com