Bond at $100K for Lake Milton burglary suspect

LAKE MILTON — Eric W. Koester, 43, of Columbus, has been charged with aggravated burglary, possession of criminal tools, carrying a concealed weapon and criminal damaging.

Milton Township police said he broke into Lakers Food Market, 15723 Mahoning Ave., at 1:15 a.m. Saturday. Police Chief Michael Saltsman Sr. said Koester was caught forcing his way into the business and apprehended by Officer Daniel Santangelo.

The officer saw Koester with a crowbar inside the garage trying to enter the store. On Monday, Koester’s bond was set at $100,000 in Mahoning County Area Court, Austintown. He will be back in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Koester also faces a parole violation out of Franklin County where he was convicted of aggravated robbery, Saltsman said.