Newton Falls man sought in robbery

Police had the suspect on the phone until he turned it off.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A Warren detective believes that a once-quiet young man's drug addiction has turned him into a threatening bank robber on the run.
"He was a quiet, polite, smart individual, and drugs took him in a different direction," Detective Jeffrey Hoolihan said of Adam A. Carson.
Carson was charged Monday with the robbery of the First Place Bank in the Elm Road Plaza. He is the son of Trumbull County Administrator Tony Carson.
Hoolihan said he is concerned that Carson may hurt himself or others before he is captured or surrenders.
The detective said Carson, who turns 24 on Thursday, walked into the bank shortly before 6 p.m. Friday and got into line.
When it was his turn to be waited on, Hoolihan said, Carson gave the teller a note that read: "I've got the gun. Give me all the money."
In an unusual twist, the detective said, Carson also demanded the money in the teller's bottom drawer. Hoolihan said most people don't know a teller keeps money in a bottom drawer, suggesting that Carson knows people who used to work in banks.
Once getting a "large" amount of cash, Hoolihan said, Carson fled in a red Dodge with a spoiler on the back, suggesting he may have had an accomplice.
Although his mug shot was displayed through the media, police didn't know his identity until someone tipped police.
Contact with suspect
Hoolihan said Monday afternoon that he has talked with Adam Carson on Carson's cell phone seven or eight times. After the last time they talked, Carson turned the phone off.
The detective said that Carson refuses to surrender, noting the fugitive told him he was on his way to New York City. He is supposed to be driving a black 1989 Buick Regal.
Carson had a range of emotions during the conversations with Hoolihan, ranging from calm at first to anger in the final call.
Hoolihan gave Carson's address as Superior Street, Newton Falls.
The detective termed Carson as being "desperate" and said he may do something "stupid" when he runs out of money.
Hoolihan, who is investigating the robbery with the FBI, said Carson is known to police because he has a record that includes domestic violence, burglary and assault.
Carson last made the news in 2004 when he settled a lawsuit with Warren for $15,000. He claimed that he had been illegally strip-searched by city police in April 2002.
Anyone having information about Adam Carson's whereabouts is asked to contact police, (330) 841-2505.
yovich@vindy.com