Gunman holds up over half dozen businesses in Warren

May 11, 2004
WFMJ NBC Ch. 21 Youngstown

Employees are in fear after a gunman held up at least a half dozen businesses in Warren. We talked with one woman who quit her job after the confrontation. Employees at The Wet Spot Bar in Warren are in fear that the robber will strike again.

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A woman we'll call "Gloria" was tending bar when the gunman, described as six feet tall, walked in. "He pulled a gun out like this and put it in my face and said, 'Don't look at me.' I put my head down, and he started banging the register and said to open it and he wanted money."

Although she did not see the suspect, who strikes any time during the day, some other victims did. Warren police have passed out a sketch of what the robber may look like.

Business owners, those who were held at gunpoint, and patrons are hoping someone will recognize the suspect and call police. The manager says something must be done.

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The police report states at about 12:40 p.m. Monday, a suspect entered Town Tavern Bar. He was wearing a ball cap and dark glasses. He had a handgun, demanded money, and fled in the bartender's car.

Papa John's on Elm and Duffy's Pizza Shop on Larchmont report the suspect didn't want a slice of pizza -- just the profits.

Those who were in fear for their lives are scared. Businesses say patrons are also nervous, hoping police will catch the perpetrator -- saying he doesn't belong in bars, just behind them.

Commentary:
The Warren Tribune-Chronicle has twice published names of persons who were issued concealed handgun licenses. Their "public service" did nothing to stop this crime, and won't stop future ones either.

Nor did the fact the carrying a firearm into a bar is illegal stop this criminal, nor did any other of the laws his guilty of violating.

Firearms prohibitions and victim zone restrictions will not act as deterrents, but 40% of felons surveyed by the Department of Justice say the fear of armed citizens will.

BUSINESSES WHICH ARE VOLUNTARILY CREATING DISARMED VICTIM ZONES IN WARREN: