Niles man charged in robbery

Staff report

NILES

The 22-year-old manager of the Sparkle Market, 140 North Main St., wrestled a 44-year-old Niles man to the ground Wednesday morning after the man reportedly tried to steal merchandise from the store.

With help from two other employees, the store manager held onto the suspect until police arrived.

Ronald E. Aiosa of Ann Avenue appeared Thursday in Niles Municipal Court on a felony robbery charge. Judge Thomas Townley set bond at $7,500. No plea was entered.

The store manager was walking into the store when he said he saw Aiosa exiting the store with merchandise in his pockets, police say.

The manager asked Aiosa what was in his pockets, and Aiosa reportedly pulled out two 10-packs of Crystal Light drink mix.

When the manager asked what else was in his other pockets, Aiosa punched the manager in the shoulder and ran. The manager jumped on Aiosa’s back and wrestled him to the sidewalk.

The additional items found in Aiosa’s pants were eight baby diapers.

If convicted, Aiosa could get five years in prison.