More theft arrests to come

An investigation continues into the rise in area thefts.

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — Police arrested a 25-year-old township man as part of an investigation into a local burglary spree and copper thefts.

Police said in a press release Wednesday the investigation is expected to net additional suspects in the coming days.

Officers with the township’s Street Crimes Unit arrested Michael A. Davis on Wednesday at the Boardman Inn, 7109 Market St., after a several-week investigation into area burglaries and copper thefts.

He was arrested without incident and also was found in possession of suspected heroin, police said.

“Burglars and copper thieves sap the strength out of a neighborhood with their crimes,” said chief Patrick Berarducci. “They deteriorate the housing stock and put fear in the hearts of residents. We are not going to put up with it. We see this case as a quality-of-life issue for the people of Boardman. This type of crime is a top priority.”

Davis is charged with the burglary of two homes on Brookfield Avenue, both on July 25. Additional charges are expected to be filed including possession of heroin. More arrests are anticipated, the chief added.

Davis is lodged in the Mahoning County Jail awaiting his initial appearance before Judge Joseph Houser of Mahoning County Area Court here.

The Street Crimes Unit normally consists of a sergeant and three detectives with a mandate to investigate crimes of violence in Boardman.

Recently, one detective from the unit was sent back to the patrol division along with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer to fill critical shortages in that division.

The department is down 12 officers since January 2007 due to resignations and retirements.

Anyone with information on crimes in Boardman is asked to call (330) 726-4144, the chief said. All calls are confidential.