Safe Surrender program announced for Mahoning County

YOUNGSTOWN — A Fugitive Safe Surrender event in Mahoning County takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20-22 at First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave. A secular site will also be available and announced later.

The program allows those with outstanding nonviolent misdemeanor or felony warrants to turn themselves in.

Two other Fugitive Safe Surrender events were in Trumbull and Columbiana counties in July, where 135 people surrendered to authorities.

“We were pleased with the turnout we had in Warren and Lisbon this summer, and we hope even more people follow that example and take advantage of this unique opportunity,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine in a press release. “By allowing folks to surrender in a neutral environment like a church, it eliminates the possibility of unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement which could end with someone getting hurt.”

It is estimated that there are about 15,000 outstanding warrants in Mahoning County, as compared to 5,000 in Trumbull and 3,000 in Columbiana counties.

For information on the event, call 1-877-647-8773.