Tree can't protect man accused of domestic violence, stolen property

YOUNGSTOWN — A man who reports said climbed up a tree to elude police early today was arrested after a fight with his girlfriend.

Jimmy Lee Smith, 45, of Almyra Avenue, was booked into the Mahoning County jail on charges of receiving stolen property and domestic violence.

Reports said police were called about 2:15 a.m. His girlfriend said Lee was there to drop off her child but she spotted a handgun in Lee's pocket that she recently reported stolen.

Reports said the woman demanded the gun back and the two fought. Lee ran outside and climbed a tree, reports said. He was found with the help of Boardman police dog Sumo.

The gun was found behind a nearby garage, reports said.