43
2 teens linked to gang are charged
The boys charged in the gas station robbery are ages 14 and 16.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD — Police have charged two juveniles, who they believe are involved in gang activity, with armed robbery in connection with a crime last week at the McQuaids Gas Station.
One of the juveniles is also charged with arson.
According to police reports, two people entered the gas station on U.S. Route 422 just after 10 p.m. Jan. 24, one carrying a handgun and the other brandishing a knife. The male holding the gun demanded silence from the female cashier and two other women inside the store, while the other male emptied the cash register of several hundred dollars.
Both juveniles ran out of the store. Police tried to track the individuals by footprints in the snow, but were unsuccessful.
Detective Greg Manente said police arrested a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old from Girard, believed to be responsible for the robbery.
A police description taken from a surveillance camera inside the store said the 16-year-old is a tall white male who was wearing a North Carolina jacket, knit cap and blue bandanna. The 14-year-old is described as a shorter white male wearing a white hoodie and a white bandanna.
According to Manente, both teens are believed to be part of a growing gang of teens calling themselves the “Underage Gangsters,” or UAG. He said police believe the gang may have started in the county juvenile detention facility and may have members in other communities.
Manente said the arrested 16-year-old is also being charged with starting a fire in a garage on Abbey Street last week. He said there is no clear reason for the arson.
Police also believe the boys used the same gun from the gas station robbery to threaten a group of teenage girls earlier that same day, then threaten one of the girl’s father when he attempted to intervene.
“They are being looked at for other charges as well, such as an assault and aggravated menacing,” the detective said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com