Police investigate pair of armed robberies

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Police are investigating a pair of armed robberies, one committed by a man on a bicycle.

Police said a 56-year-old Mathews Road man had just gotten out of his car in a store lot in the 900 block of East Midlothian Boulevard around 10:25 a.m. Saturday when he was approached by a man who rode up on a bicycle.

The cyclist pulled out a silver-colored handgun and demanded money, the victim said, adding that he gave the man $7.

The robber then rode off on his bicycle, headed west on Midlothian, the victim said.

A 66-year-old East Ravenwood Avenue man unloading groceries from his car in his driveway in the 100 block of East Ravenwood around 1:45 a.m. Monday told police that two men wearing black ski masks, shirts and pants and brandishing handguns confronted him, demanding his wallet.

The victim said he handed over his empty wallet as well as a .32-caliber handgun he was legally carrying.

He said that when the robbers found his wallet was empty, they forced him into his home and demanded additional firearms.

The victim said he gave the men a 9 mm handgun, a .32-caliber revolver and a 12-gauge shotgun.

They then left his home and the area, he said.