Stark County, Ohio – A 28-year-old New Philadelphia man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he robbed two Dollar General stores in southern Stark County at knife point and fled with two young children in his vehicle. The incidents unfolded over several days in January and involved a dangerous police pursuit, according to law enforcement officials.
Incident Overview
Stark County Sheriff’s deputies say the suspect carried out two separate armed robberies at Dollar General locations, threatening store employees with a knife and stealing cash. Investigators allege the crimes placed both store workers and children in serious danger.
The suspect was taken into custody on the morning of Jan. 14 and booked into the Tuscarawas County Jail on a probation violation, according to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office booking records.
Timeline of Events
The first robbery reportedly occurred on Jan. 9 at approximately 9:38 a.m. at the Dollar General store located at 8565 Waynesburg Dr. SE in Sandy Township.
A second robbery was reported four days later on Jan. 13 at about 1:36 p.m. at another Dollar General store located at 9141 Cleveland Ave. SE in East Sparta, according to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say both incidents involved similar methods and escalated levels of risk.
Details From Police and Court Records
According to criminal complaints, during the Sandy Township robbery, the suspect allegedly held a knife to the neck of a store clerk while demanding money. Investigators say he fled the store with $270 in cash.
In the second incident in East Sparta, court documents allege the man pressed a knife against the back of the clerk, demanded money, and escaped with $574.
Stark County deputies formally charged the suspect on Jan. 14 with the following offenses:
- Aggravated robbery (felony)
- Failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer (felony)
- Two counts of endangering children (misdemeanors)
- Theft (misdemeanor)
Children Allegedly Involved During Getaway
One of the most alarming details outlined in court records is the presence of children during the suspect’s escape. Authorities say the man fled from at least one of the robbery scenes with a 5-year-old child and a 10-month-old infant inside his vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint, when sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect ignored police commands and fled at a high rate of speed, driving recklessly and increasing the danger to the children and the public.
Law Enforcement Response and Arrest
Details surrounding the suspect’s arrest have not yet been fully released. Officials have not clarified how the traffic pursuit ended, where the children were recovered, or their condition at the time authorities intervened.
It also remains unclear what original offense placed the suspect on probation prior to these incidents.
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office stated that the arrest was the result of coordinated efforts across multiple agencies, including the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, New Philadelphia Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
In a statement acknowledging the joint effort, the sheriff’s office said:
“This arrest was made possible through the cooperation and coordinated response of multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”
Additional details may be available through updates posted on the Stark County Sheriff’s Office official website.
Public Safety and Retail Crime Concerns
Incidents involving armed robberies at retail stores continue to raise concerns for employee safety, especially when weapons and children are involved. Law enforcement officials urge businesses to follow safety protocols, including cooperation during robberies and prompt reporting of suspicious behavior.
Authorities also stress the importance of community awareness and inter-agency collaboration in locating and arresting suspects involved in violent crimes.
Conclusion
The Stark County case highlights the serious risks posed when violent crimes intersect with reckless driving and child endangerment. As the suspect remains in custody, investigators continue working to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the welfare of the children involved.
Court proceedings are expected to determine the next steps as the case moves forward.
If you have information related to similar incidents or concerns about retail safety in your community, share your experiences in the comments below.
