Three arrested in Boardman robbery

Three arrested in Boardman robbery

BOARDMAN

Police have arrested three people in connection with a Tuesday late-night robbery at iHOP on U.S. Route 224.

Bianca L. Santos, 20, of Boardman is charged with complicity to aggravated robbery and Angel M. Cruz II, 23, of Boardman, and Dwayne Lamont Towsend Jr., 22, of Youngstown, are each charged with one count of aggravated robbery.

Police said an iHOP employee said two men approached him about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday, brandished guns and took the night deposit bag that contained about $300.

An officer who responded to the call made an investigative traffic stop in the area when he saw a vehicle and passengers matched suspects’ descriptions, according to reports.

He found the passenger breathing heavily and in plain view saw a deposit bag, police said. A search of the car turned up a handgun and small bag of suspected marijuana, records show.

Police said Santos first told them she was just picking up her friends after they offered her $50 for gas money, but later admitted she used to work at the restaurant and watched the front of the restaurant during the robbery, texting the two men updates. All three are expected to appear in court tomorrow.