Youngstown woman faces robbery charges

Staff report

BOARDMAN

A Youngstown woman faces charges of robbery, possession of criminal tools and receiving stolen property after her arrest about 5:45 p.m. Thursday, according to a police report.

Officers observed two suspects traveling by a Market Street restaurant fitting the description of two people who reportedly took merchandise from Macy’s in Southern Park Mall.

Both suspects, later identified as John Brown Jr., 32, of Parkgate Avenue and Jessica Phillips, 31, of Market Street, both in Youngstown, were detained for investigation.

The store’s loss-prevention employee reportedly saw Brown speaking to a sales associate while Phillips took merchandise.

When the employee tried to stop her, Phillips reached into her purse and said, “Get away from me,” then left the store with Brown.

After searching her and her bag, police found a pair of brass knuckles, a pair of scissors and reported store merchandise worth $231.

Police released Brown, but they arrested Phillips and took her to the Mahoning County jail.

She has an arraignment hearing on the charges at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Mahoning County Area Court.