Tuesday, January 13th, 2009
Robbery suspects charged
Pair allegedly robbed Coldwater man at Westown Shell
By Margie Wuebker
Two Celina-area men have been charged with robbery in the wake of an incident that occurred Friday afternoon in the parking lot at Westown Shell/Partymart in Coldwater.
Grant L. Sullivan, 24, 204 Morton St., and Harry R. Shroyer II, 18, 5512 state Route 118, appeared Monday afternoon in Celina Municipal Court. Judge James Scheer set preliminary hearings for Jan. 16 to determine whether there is sufficient cause to transfer the cases to Mercer County Common Pleas Court for grand jury consideration.
Bond was set at $75,000 for both men, who subsequently requested the bonds be modified paving the way for their release from the Mercer County Jail. Sullivan explained he underwent orthopedic surgery two weeks ago and needs regular therapy to prevent permanent knee problems. Shroyer is seeking release so he can return to his full-time job.
Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor Matt Fox objected to bond reduction in Sullivan's case explaining it involves drug-related allegations. He added the same allegations do not apply to Shroyer.
Scheer retained the cash bonds subject to 10 percent. He also appointed attorney David Bruns to represent Sullivan, and George Moore as Shroyer's legal counsel.
Coldwater Police responded to the 900 W. Main St. business after local resident Brent Obringer reported he had been assaulted by two acquaintances demanding money. The incident occurred at 4:30 p.m. Friday as Obringer was walking toward the business.
According to an affidavit filed in municipal court, Sullivan grabbed Obringer while Shroyer took $80 from him. The 19-year-old man sustained minor injuries during the struggle. No weapons were involved, according to police reports.
Patrolman Dan Speckman alerted Mercer County Dispatch, which in turn relayed information regarding the suspects and the full-size van in which they were riding. St. Henry Police Chief Bob Garman spotted the vehicle a short time later at a service station. The two occupants surrendered without incident and the investigation is continuing.
If convicted of the second-degree felony, the men face up to eight years in prison and $15,000 fines.
