Niles police make drug raid, arrest 3

NILES — Three drug arrests were made when police used a search warrant to enter 651 Indiana Ave. on Friday. Capt. Charles Wilson said police seized suspected marijuana and cocaine, drug paraphernalia, cash and turned up a video surveillance system. The resident, Erin N. Smith, 23, was arrested on felony charges of possession of drugs and permitting drug abuse. Matthew J. Petrilla, 23, and Nicole D. Baughman, 19, both of Niles, were charged with misdemeanor possession of drugs. More arrests are expected. The three defendants are expected to be arraigned Monday in Niles Municipal Court. The search warrant was issued after a six-month investigation into drug activity during which undercover drug buys were made. Police had fielded complaints from neighbors about loud noise, gun shots and constant foot and vehicle traffic during all hours of the day and night. In on the search were Niles and Warren police, agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. deputy marshals.