Four face drug, theft charges after Sunday arrest

WARREN — Four people were arrested at about 11:15 a.m. Sunday after police were called to the parking lot of the Giant Eagle, 2061 Elm Road N.E., for several people inside a car "shooting up," including one person who could be seen using a tourniquet.

When police arrived, the vehicle was traveling south on Elm Road near Larchmont Avenue, and they were traffic stopped for speeding near Chestnut Street, police said.

Police found hypodermic needles, other drug paraphernalia, including a burnt spoon and crack pipe, and empty bindles of heroin in the car.

Charged with petty theft and possession of drug abuse instruments and drug paraphernalia were Nicholas Ziegler, 30, of Dakota Avenue in Niles; and Ira Rihel, 35, of Judith Avenue.

Melissa Rihel, 34, of Judith Avenue was charged with petty theft and possession of drug abuse instruments, and Tracinia Putnam, 23, of Leslie Avenue Niles was charged with petty theft.

The petty theft charges accuse them of taking over $100 worth of meat and shrimp from the store.