Weekend crime keeps Liberty police busy

The individual responsible for shooting a 14-year-old boy remains at large.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

LIBERTY — Township police were kept busy this past weekend by shootings, fights, armed robberies and young children without proper supervision.

The list of criminal activity began just after 5:30 p.m. Friday with an act of road rage that started in Hubbard and ended in the area of Logan Avenue and state Route 304. A man got out of his car and punched in the face a 22-year-old Hubbard man, who was driving another car.

Police did not find the man who threw the punch, but were given a description and license plate number for the car he was driving.

Officers later Friday night investigated an armed robbery at Cocca Pizza on West Liberty Street. Employees told police a man armed with a gun came through the back door of the business just before 11 p.m.

The man, reports say, demanded money from the store’s cash register. Employees handed over about $200 and were made to lie on the floor while the masked thief escaped. Police could not find the thief in the immediate area.

Loud music, wandering child

Early Saturday, officers were sent to the 3000 block of Green Acres Drive after residents complained of loud music. Officers found several people standing around a Pontiac Bonneville, drinking and listening to music, but ultimately arrested Paul Perry Jr., 30, of Eastway Drive, Youngstown, for drug trafficking, drug possession and receiving stolen property.

According to police reports, officers were checking Perry for weapons when he tried to conceal a bag containing a large white rock of suspected cocaine. Officers also found another bag containing several smaller bags they believe were used to package and sell drugs. When asked about the bags, reports say, Perry told officers: “If somebody wants some coke, I’ll chip ’em off some and hook ’em up.”

Officers responded to a call at 3 p.m. Saturday on Tuttle Lane concerning a 2-year-old child left wandering near the street. According to reports, a Tuttle Lane man found the child and brought the boy into his home to call police.

Officers spoke to the child’s mother concerning his safety and the woman told officers that she already has an open case with county Children Services. A caseworker with Children Services was informed about the most recent episode.

Juvenile shooting

Late Saturday officers were sent to St. Elizabeth Health Center for a juvenile who had been shot in the leg.

According to reports, a 14-year-old Warren boy had been walking with two other teenage boys on Colonial Drive near Green Acres Drive when they were approached by three males who threatened to beat them and take their money.

The boys told officers they tried to run, then heard a gunshot and realized the 14-year-old victim had been shot in the lower left leg. He was treated at St. Elizabeth.

Police were unable to locate the shooter or any evidence in the area where the shooting had taken place.

jgoodwin@vindy.com