Man jailed on weapons, assault charges

YOUNGSTOWN

A 55-year-old city man entered a plea of not guilty to a misdemeanor animal cruelty offense and did not enter a plea to the felony offenses of having a weapon during disability, felonious assault and obstructing official business Monday.

Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. set bond for Raymond Spires, of Salt Springs Road, at a total of $57,500 for the felony offenses and electronically monitor house arrest for the misdemeanor, should Spires post bond and be released from Mahoning County jail.

Spires was arrested Friday after he allegedly fired a gun at a city resident who confronted him about animal abuse. Police said when an officer went to arrest him, Spires threatened the officer and the officer fired a warning shot at Spires’ right foot, which missed and hit the ground.

Judge Douglas also ordered court appointed counselor for Spires, who told the judge he was on disability from his job.