South Side man arrested in death of bicyclist

August 7, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Police have arrested a South Side man in the July 6 death of a bicyclist on Hudson Avenue.

Justin T. Clark, 19, of West Ravenwood Avenue, was picked up at his home on a warrant around 3:30 p.m. Thursday. He is charged with fleeing the scene of an accident causing death and driving under suspension. Clark was lodged in Mahoning County jail to face arraignment this morning.

Police said Shelton Harris, 57, of Sherwood Avenue, was riding his bicycle along the 100 block of Hudson Avenue about 10 a.m. July 6 when he was struck by a blue Oldsmobile Cutlass.

Harris was carried about 200 feet with the impact of the collision, police said, adding that two people got out of the car and ran away after it hit Harris.

Police said they were able to identify the driver of the car almost immediately but delayed filing any charges while the accident was investigated.

Accused of making threats

YOUNGSTOWN — Police arrested an Oakwood Avenue man on aggravated menacing and other charges after he was accused of threatening a neighbor with a rifle.

Monty L. Lester, 45, was arrested at a bar at Meridian Road and Oakwood shortly after the 4 p.m. Thursday confrontation in which police said Lester was accused of threatening a neighbor after the man confronted him as he looked into the back of a van on the man’s property.

Lester went back into his house before officers arrived but apparently fled out a back door, police said, adding that the weapon was found in the house. Officers said they were told it wasn’t operational, but it did have a bayonet attached.

Lester was lodged in the Mahoning County jail on charges of aggravated menacing, possessing weapons while intoxicated and possession of a dangerous ordnance. He faced arraignment today.

Party for Jim Traficant

BOARDMAN — Organizers say the honoree may or may not be present, but there will be a “welcome home” party for former Congressman Jim Traficant Sept. 6 at Mr. Anthony’s, 7440 South Ave.

It will be an appreciation dinner from 3 to 7 p.m. featuring music by Rocky Chirchiglia and Libby and her Tamburitzans.

Tickets are $20, and there will be a cash bar. For tickets, call Linda at (330) 788-8923. hecks should be made payable to Appreciation Dinner Treasurer Robert Barrett.

The nine-term congressman is scheduled to be released from federal prison Sept. 2 after seven years of incarceration on federal charges of racketeering, bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion.