3 men are charged in Niles standoff

NILES — Three Pratt Street men have been charged after a 21 „2-hour standoff on the near east side that was sparked by what police says was an armed robbery.

Police charged Joseph A. Leasock, 41, with possession of drugs, obstructing official business and aggravated robbery earlier today.

Shawn E. Davis, 22, and Richard W. Calderwood, 27, were each charged with felony obstructing official business.

The three live in the same Pratt Street building but in separate apartments.

Davis and Calderwood along with two women were flushed out of 450 Mason St. after tear gas was fired into the 21 „2-story house about 6 a.m. The house was rented by the two women, who were not charged.

Leasock emerged before the house was gassed, said city Detective James Robbins.

For the complete story, see Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.