Police charge 8 in 5 armed robberies

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. marshals still were looking for the fourth adult Thursday night in an eight-person group that police believe is responsible for five armed robberies in the city and Boardman.

Shaquil Brown, 19, of Youngstown is wanted by U.S. marshals and is accused of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity relating to the robberies. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the anonymous tip line 866-492-6833 or text the keyword WANTED and the tip to 847411. A reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

James Woods, 18; Charles Walker, 18; and Tyrone Freeman, 19; all of Youngstown, are the other adults charged in the robbery ring. Police said four juveniles also are involved and facing charges.

The group is believed to be responsible for robbing Family Dollar stores on Market Street and South Avenue in Boardman; twice robbing a Family Dollar on Market Street in Youngstown; and robbing a Subway in Youngstown.

Police say guns and knives were used during the robberies.

Bond was set at $100,000 this week for Walker and Woods, and they have preliminary hearings set for Tuesday in front of Judge Robert Milich of Youngstown Municipal Court. Freeman was apprehended this week but has not yet appeared in court, according to online court records.

Woods and Walker already are facing weapons charges after they were found in a car with concealed weapons, according to Vindicator files.

On Nov. 28, city police were called to several armed robberies including one at a Family Dollar in the 2200 block of Market Street. Reports stated two men wearing masks, black hats and gloves ran into the store, pulled out guns and demanded the clerk hand over money from the cash register. As they ran out, the men grabbed a customer’s purse, police said.

Officers canvassed the area and stopped a car with four men, including Woods and Walker, and charged all of them with weapons violations.