MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Five young people were arrested this week for an aggravated burglary scheme masterminded by teenagers. Police say the teens wanted to steal guns to rob a drug dealer.
"The ages of these suspects are shocking to even us," Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw wrote on Facebook. "This is why we take incidents serious(ly), even involving juveniles or minors. (It's) proof that young people can be dangerous as well. We can’t let the fact that they are young change how we address these issues, and we won’t."
Jakaleb Silas
Police accused 18-year-old Jakaleb Silas and 19-year-old Sidique Bailey of breaking into 3253 Wilbraham Road around 9:40 p.m. Monday. Police said the pair made two 14-year-old boys in the residence lie on the ground as an additional 17-year-old intruder struck one of the boys in the head with a gun. While this was going on, a 67-year-old grandmother was nearby in bed. Police said the trio stole two guns that were in the house and fled.
On Tuesday, officers attempted to stop a vehicle with two of the perpetrators in it. This resulted in a car chase that ended when the vehicle crashed in the Wendy’s parking lot on Verity Parkway.
Sidique Bailey
Police charged Silas with aggravated burglary. Police say Bailey was the driver during the burglary and also when they fled from officers. He was charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, fleeing and eluding and reckless operation.
The 17-year-old was in possession of a stolen handgun from a prior home invasion in Columbus when he was arrested Tuesday. He was charged with aggravated burglary, felonious assault, and receiving stolen property (for having the stolen gun on him).
Two additional young people were charged as the masterminds behind the incident. Police said a 13-year-old who lives on Shelley Street had repeatedly asked the homeowner to sell him a gun, but was refused. The 13-year-old suspected there were multiple guns in the home and convinced two other subjects to commit the burglary. He was charged with aggravated burglary.
Jack Mikesell
Police also accused 19-year-old Jack Mikesell, of helping the 13-year-old plan the burglary. He was charged with aggravated burglary.
The investigation revealed that some of the individuals involved wanted the weapons to rob a drug dealer, police said. Anyone with additional information on this crime should call Det. Beth Stewart at 513-425-7724.
Attempted robbery at Subway
Police are hoping somebody can help them identify the young man who entered the Subway on Verity Parkway, pointed a gun at employees and jumped over the counter at about 10 p.m. March 3.
Police said two Subway workers fled through the back door and were pursued by the suspect at gunpoint. They say the man gave up on his attempt to rob the store and fled.
Anybody with information is asked to call Det. Kristy Hughes at 513-425-7733.
Surveillance footage shows an unidentified young man attempting to rob the Middletown Subway.
Shots fired at Bar Boca
Police accused 22-year-old Doryn Palmer Truss, whose last known address was 3301 Goldman Ave. of firing six round inside Bar Boca on Charles Street at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday. No patrons were injured.
Police issued a warrant for Truss’ arrest because of parole violation. Anyone with information should call Det. Kristy Hughes at 513-425-7733.
