METRO DIGEST || Teacher targeted, driver returns student

Teacher targeted; driver returns student

WARREN

Two female students at STEAM Academy, 261 Elm Road NE, began fighting Thursday on the stage of the school’s gym, but it escalated to include about 10 students, according to a police report.

A substitute teacher said the fight occurred while students were having a dodgeball tournament in the gymnasium. One of the girls who was fighting tried to hit and kick the substitute teacher. A boy, 12, was throwing chairs, the teacher said.

The students were separated by school staff and sent to their school buses, but one of the bus drivers returned with her students after the girl who was trying to kick the substitute was using profane language on the bus, police said. School officials said they would handle disciplinary matters related to the fight.

A former staff member at the school was convicted in Warren Municipal Court earlier this month of assault for slamming a girl into a door at the school in October.

Rape, kidnapping charges dropped

NILES

Charges of rape and kidnapping were dropped last week against Robert B. Leasock, 43, of Grant Street because the victim did not appear to testify at his preliminary hearing twice.

A preliminary hearing frequently involves testimony to determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to a grand jury.

Atty. Terry Swauger, Niles prosecutor, said there was another problem with the case in that the victim was found overdosed at Leasock’s home a couple of weeks after she reported the rape and kidnapping.

Her going to his home after alleging he raped and kidnapped her would have undermined the credibility of her allegations, Swauger said.

The woman alleged that she was held hostage several days and forced to prostitute herself.

Boardman Park offers landscape assistance

BOARDMAN

Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, is offering a new service for township resident gardeners as the planting season draws near.

The park staff will be available to diagnose plant problems, identify a plant, and offer advice on caring for trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and entire landscapes. The goal is to help residents get the best from their plants and garden.

This free service is available by phone Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at 330-726-8105, in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m., or by email to dan@boardmanpark.com.

Claiming self-defense

WARREN

Jameer D. Green, 24, of Palmyra Road Southwest told police he shot another man in self-defense on Ferndale Avenue Southwest, but Green was charged Thursday night with felonious assault.

A not-guilty plea was entered for Green on Friday morning in Warren Municipal Court, and he remained in the Trumbull County Jail on Friday night in lieu of $35,000 bond.

Police said they found Ta’Shawn J. Williams, 20, of 1643 Ferndale Ave. SW on the ground at 1720 Ferndale with at least one gunshot wound in the 6:38 p.m. incident. He was taken to ValleyCare Trumbull Memorial Hospital.

Green called 911 to say that he fired at Williams after Williams pulled a gun on him, according to Trumbull County 911. Green told a dispatcher he has a concealed-carry permit.