Family escapes fire

Family escapes fire

YOUNGSTOWN — Sixteen occupants, from 8 months to 35 years old, were found uninjured after a mattress fire at 34 Hazeltine Ave. on the East Side on Sunday afternoon, the fire department said. A space heater too close to bed covers caught the mattress on fire, reports show. Smoke and fire were coming from a third-floor window when crews arrived around 2 p.m. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was called in to assist the large family. Damage was set at $6,000.

5 animals die in fire

VIENNA — A heating lamp used in a pole barn to keep some animals warm started a fire that resulted in the death of five animals.

Police Chief Richard Brannon said firefighters were called about 7 p.m. Sunday to a farm at 1397 Sodom-Hutchings Road owned by Jeff and Barbara Watts. The chief said the Wattses had placed the lamp near the front of the barn to keep the pets warm, and it appeared the lamp set some hay ablaze. Two geese, a duck and two cats perished. Damage was set at $2,500, the chief said.

Charged in robbery

BOARDMAN — A 21-year-old Southern Boulevard woman was charged with aggravated robbery, accused of taking another woman’s cellular phone.

Police and officers from the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force arrested Nahdia Baker Friday afternoon at Choffin Career and Technical Center, Youngstown, where she is a student.

Baker, who is expected in court today, is accused in a Jan. 28 incident where another woman told police that she was jumped by four women outside Wal-Mart who assaulted her and took her cell phone. One of the women also pointed a gun at the victim, the victim told police. Baker remains at the Mahoning County Jail.

Valentine’s open house

LORDSTOWN – Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County is holding a special Valentine’s open house for the public to adopt pets through Sunday at its shelter, 545 Brunstetter Road S.W. The hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. today and Friday, 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

2 charged in burglary

NILES — Two people were charged Monday in a burglary Sunday morning of a Pearl Street house. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Thomas Holbrook, 22, of South Butler Street, on charges of burglary and felonious assault. Christine D. Crank, 23, of North Cedar Street, was arraigned Monday on charges of burglary and conspiracy to felonious assault. She is being held with bond set at $10,000 bond with a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 20. A Pearl Street man told police he was awakened about 1:30 a.m. by noise in his house. Police reported the two fled and were followed by the homeowner, whose clothing was slashed by a knife.