Two who run from YPD downtown are caught

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Police caught two men they chased on foot through several downtown streets – and through several downtown crowds – about 6:20 p.m. Thursday.

Reports said Capt. Jason Simon was on a downtown patrol when he saw Braylon Barnes, 23, of Columbus in the back of a car stopped at Commerce and Hazel streets and Christian Little, 28, who reports say is homeless, leaning into the car.

A woman was behind the wheel, and Barnes was moving his hands as if he were making some sort of transaction with the person in the front seat, reports said.

Reports said Simon pulled over into a parking lot to investigate, and as he did, the two men backed away from the car, then began running. The pair ran through several crowds on Hazel and West Federal streets who were outside on the sidewalk as other officers joined in. Little made it to Boardman Street and an alley by the Mahoning County Courthouse, and was then stunned with an electronic stun weapon by officer Jose Morales Jr. after he refused orders to stop running.

Barnes got as far as 20 W. Federal St., where he was arrested by police and security personnel.

Both men were taken to the county jail on charges of obstruction of official business. Little also had several traffic warrants, reports said.