Man accused of trying to steal tip jar

STAFF REPORT

NILES — A Braceville man was charged with robbery after police said he tried to steal a tip jar from a Niles tavern and punched an employee who took the jar back from him early Tuesday.

Joseph A. Moore, 24, of state Route 534, appeared Tuesday in Niles Municipal Court on the charge, which is a felony punishable by up to eight years in prison if convicted.

Judge Thomas Townley set bond at $50,000 and a preliminary hearing for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11.

Police said Moore tried to walk out of Cleary’s tavern, 1216 N. Main Street, with the jar at about 2:30 a.m. and then punched an employee twice in the face when the employee tried to stop him.

Police said the employee was able to get the tip jar back from Moore before Moore fled the tavern.

A trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol stopped Moore on a traffic violation a short distance away from the tavern on North Main Street, and Niles police took custody of him there.