Trial begins for man accused of police assault

YOUNGSTOWN — Jury selection will continue today in the trial of a Glenwood Avenue man charged with seven counts of felonious assault on police officers during an East Side pursuit more than two years ago.

Craig Franklin Jr., 19, went on trial Monday before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Franklin was one of four occupants of a Cadillac that was carjacked from a church secretary and from which shots were fired at pursuing officers July 1, 2005, police said.

The chase led to evacuation of the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services, then on Garland Avenue, and a six-hour manhunt involving a helicopter, a small plane, search dogs and officers from multiple jurisdictions. The four suspects were arrested the following morning.

If convicted on all counts, Franklin faces 42 to 91 years in prison.

The other defendants, whose trials are forthcoming, are Brandon C. Jackson, 23, of Truesdale Avenue; Duniek Christian, 22, of North Garland Avenue; and Jumal Edwards, 23, of Woodcrest Avenue.