Copper theft turns violent when police intervene

Copper theft turns violent
when police intervene

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was injured as he tried to stop a man from stealing copper wiring.

State Police said Trooper Dominick Caimona tried to arrest James B. Hooks of New Castle at the First Energy supply yard on Frenz Drive at 3:40 a.m. Sunday when Hooks stuck the trooper with a piece of copper cable.

Hooks then ran off and was caught a short time later. Police said Hooks is charged with aggravated assault and theft.

He was placed in the Lawrence County Jail after failing to post $25,000 bond.

Chief thanks all who helped
during storm that hit Salem

SALEM — Police Chief Robert Floor thanked agencies Monday that helped or offered to help when a microburst damaged buildings and vehicles last Thursday.

“All assistance and offers to help were greatly appreciated,” Floor said.

Thanks went to the Salem police auxiliary, Perry Township police, the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol in the county, Boardman Police and Agent Joe Chamberlain of the Ohio Investigative Unit.

Others included county Emergency Management Agency, Ohio Edison, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Home Depot, Busy Beaver, Wal-Mart, Donnell Ford, KFC’s Salem store and World Wide Equipment.

He also thanked State Rep. Linda Bolon, county Commissioner Penny Traina, and Salem Councilman Greg Oesch.

The chief also thanked the press for warning the public to avoid the east side of town where the damage occurred and its professionalism while covering the event.