Soda strike: Teen faces charges for reportedly throwing pop at girlfriend’s co-worker

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Police issued a warrant for the arrest of a Youngstown man Friday after he reportedly struck his girlfriend’s co-worker with a can of pop, causing the can to explode.

Derrick Reber, 19, of Youngstown faces misdemeanor charges of trespassing and assault.

An officer responded to Morgan Oil on Lowellville Road about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday. Police reported that Reber entered the store, went behind the corner, yelled profanities and struck a 41-year-old female employee over the head with a Sam’s Cola can. The can then exploded over the woman.

Witnesses said the woman had been arguing with another employee, Kristin Hubert, 21, of Youngstown, who was texting during the argument. Other workers guessed Hubert was texting her boyfriend, whom police identified as Reber.

Hubert told police she did not recognize the man who struck her co-worker, though other employees told police the man was her boyfriend, according to the police report.

Police used surveillance footage to identify the suspect as Reber.

Hubert faces misdemeanor charges of obstructing official business and inciting violence.