Man who fled custody arrested

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The man escaped from police custody several days ago.

YOUNGSTOWN — A city man police believe to be responsible for stealing items out of a woman’s car — ultimately leading to gun, drug and escape charges against him — is in jail on a $240,000 bond.

Rodney Smith Jr., 19, of Robinwood Avenue, appeared Wednesday before Judge Robert P. Milich of Youngstown Municipal Court, by video arraignment, on charges of drug abuse, escape, receiving stolen property, carrying a concealed weapon and illegal possession of a weapon. Should Smith post the bond, he will be placed on monitored house-arrest.

Prosecutors told the court Smith’s past criminal troubles include carrying a concealed weapon, receiving stolen property, illegal possession of a weapon and drug charges.

As a convicted felon, Smith cannot have a weapon in his possession.

According to police reports, a 29-year-old Austintown woman went to pick up a friend in the 3000 block of Hudson Avenue on Saturday evening when a man believed to be Smith leaned into her car and asked if she wanted “dog food” or “Cadi” — street slang for heroin and crack cocaine. He is believed to have stolen her cell phone and change purse at that time.

Officers went to a Ravenwood Avenue home with the woman to retrieve the property.

When officers arrived at the Ravenwood address, they saw Smith standing on the porch holding a handgun in each hand. Reports say he noticed police approaching and tried to put a young female, who also had been standing on the porch, between himself and officers. The young girl ran off the porch crying and screaming.

Police said officers pulled out their weapons and ordered Smith to drop the guns, but he ran into the house. After several commands to drop the guns, reports say he tossed the firearms farther into the house and came to the door.

Police said Smith had to be forced to the ground. The woman’s cell phone was found next to him. Police found suspected cocaine and marijuana and more than $1,000 in his pockets.

Reports say both guns Smith was holding when officers arrived were stolen.

Smith was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center for treatment, but ultimately fled police custody at the hospital. Prosecutors told the court that when officers caught up with Smith, they found more drugs in his possession.

jgoodwin@vindy.com