Boardman man apprehended by citizens twice Saturday at Niles Applebee’s

Staff report

NILES

A Boardman man was released from the Trumbull County jail Monday after posting $1,000 bond, accused of stealing a purse at Applebee’s restaurant Saturday afternoon, then fleeing on foot from the restaurant while his two daughters waited in his car.

Jeffrey L. Linam II, 31, of Gertrude Avenue, pleaded not guilty Monday in Niles Municipal Court to misdemeanor theft, child endangering and marijuana possession.

When Niles police arrived at the restaurant, they found Linam being detained against a pole by an Applebee’s employee and a customer.

A witness told police he saw Linam snatch the purse from a woman and run toward the door. The witness said he chased and caught Linam, who then said, “Sorry, bro.” The witness said he gave the purse back to the owner.

After the witness let go of Linam, he ran again, but another customer continued to chase and caught Linam near the Dairy Queen with the help of two Applebee’s managers. Police arrived and took Linam into custody.

Linam told police his two children were in his car. Police found the car and the children and contacted their mother to pick them up. Two child-endangering counts were filed against Linam because it was cold outside, police said.

The marijuana charge was filed after police found suspected marijuana in Linam’s pocket.