A Mansfield man could be facing nearly two decades in prison after allegedly trying to run over a gas station employee.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Michael A. Caldwell, 61, of 310 Fern Ave., Mansfield. Caldwell is charged with one count each of aggravated robbery, felonious assault and petty theft.
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said during the evening of Nov. 29, Caldwell was at the Murphy USA station on Coleman’s Crossing Boulevard getting gasoline.
“He was recognized as someone who had allegedly stolen gas before,” said Phillips.
The prosecutor said a station attendant went to the gas pump to confront the man. Phillips said that when Caldwell saw the attendant approaching he got into his truck.
“He allegedly drove the truck toward the attendant,” Phillips said.
Caldwell made contact with the attendant.
“He pushed the attendant with the truck for some distance until the attendant rolled off the front of the truck,” Phillips said.
Much of the encounter was caught on the gas station’s security cameras and another customer at the station saw it.
“That really assisted us in identifying the suspect as Caldwell,” Phillips said.
The prosecutor explained while the amount of the gasoline was a relatively small, because he attempted to harm the attendant as he fled, the alleged offense was elevated from petty theft to first-degree felony aggravated robbery.
“This created a dangerous situation for the station attendant, as well as others around and the general public,” Phillips said. “While there was not significant injury, Mr. Caldwell certainly created the potential for very serious injury.”
If convicted, Caldwell could face as many as 18 and a half years in prison.
Caldwell is currently in the Tri-County Regional Jail. He is set to be arraigned later this month.
Also indicted were:
– Katherine Rose Monnin, 27, of 244 W. Third St., Marysville. Monnin is charged with one count of possession of cocaine. According to court documents, on July 4, Monnin was arrested with less than five grams of cocaine. If convicted, Monnin could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Robert Jason Kane, 41, 364 Windsor Dr., Marysville. Kane is charged with one count of tampering with evidence. According to court documents, Kane knew, or should have known, that he was involved in a criminal investigation and allegedly destroyed evidence so it could not be used against him. If convicted, Kane could face as many as five years in prison.
– Regis L. Bankston, 31, of 2191 Gables Lake Dr., Hilliard. Bankston is charged with one count of aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. According to court documents, on May 6, Bankston was arrested with a pair of opiates. If convicted, Bankston could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Teri Garko, 42, whose court-listed address is the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Garko is charged with one count each of harassment with a bodily substance and assault. Garko is nearly halfway through a 12-year sentence for attempted murder, assault and felonious assault in Summit County. While incarcerated, Garko has multiple convictions for harassment by an inmate. If convicted, Garko could face an additional 12 months in prison.