Authorities call McDonald robbery story a hoax

MCDONALD

McDonald police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are calling the reported Thursday robbery of Ianazone’s Pizza, 207 E Marshall Road, a hoax.

The owner, Jim Ianazone, reported that he had just been robbed by two males at gunpoint and that they had taken $32,000 and fled in a white Chevy Cruze.

“Through the investigation, it was learned that no robbery occurred,” according to a McDonald police press release. “Mr. Ianazone reported to authorities that he staged the robbery due to him being extorted for money.”

Ianazone also told investigators he paid an undisclosed amount of money to the two alleged males that he had previously accused of robbing him. He was unable to provide much information on the extortionist, nor have investigators found any credibible evidence related to any extortion, the press release said.

Police are talking to prosecutors regarding possible charges for filing a false police report.