Suspect arrested after Liberty Giant Eagle robbery

LIBERTY — A man was arrested in connection with a robbery at the Giant Eagle on Belmont Avenue early Saturday morning, according to a police report.

James Blackmon, 60, of Cleveland was charged with a robbery with the threat of force, the report said.

Police said someone alerted the store security guard that Blackmon took four cartons of cigarettes and hid them in his jacket. When Blackmon was confronted by an employee, he handed over two of the cartons.

The security guard detained him near the service desk and called police. He still had two stolen cartons under his jacket, the report said.

The report said Blackmon began swinging his arms at the security guard and pushed the guard away from him. He then ran toward the door, knocking over display cases.

A man who stated he was an off-duty officer caught Blackmon by the door and detained him until police arrived, the report said. Blackmon handed over the remaining two cartons.

Blackmon is being held at the Trumbull County jail.