Two charged after robbery - Friday, November 20, 2009 | Courier Electronic Edition

Local News

Friday, November 20, 2009

Two charged after robbery

FOSTORIA -- Two Fostoria men were arrested early Thursday after a pizza delivery woman was robbed at knifepoint late Wednesday night.

Fostoria police reported that the delivery woman, who was not identified, fought back and cut one of the attackers with his own knife before he ran off with her money bag and cell phone.

Rodney D. Hampton, 40, faces charges of aggravated robbery, tampering with evidence, and disrupting public service, while Jonathon L. Zickefoose, 40, has been charged with complicity to felony drug possession, according to a Fostoria Municipal Court clerk. Hampton was a star football and baseball player at Fostoria High School and was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies after high school.

The two men reportedly lured the delivery driver to a pay phone in front of a South Countyline Street business, according to Police Chief John McGuire.

Police reported that one of the men, later identified by police as Hampton, approached the woman and grabbed both of her arms. According to McGuire, the man demanded her money bag and produced a utility knife when the woman said she did not have it.

Hampton, listed by police as 6-foot-2 and weighing 260 pounds, wrestled the woman to the ground, police reported, and during the struggle, the woman was able to grab the knife from his hands and cut him. Hampton allegedly took back the knife, ran to the delivery driver's car, took the money bag and cell phone and fled the scene on foot, McGuire reported.

Hampton and Zickefoose were arrested after police officers responded to a call at 12:14 a.m. from a Findlay Street resident who reported a suspicious red vehicle with two occupants was parked alongside the street with its lights turned off.

When an officer approached the vehicle, Hampton fled on foot, cutting through several yards in the neighborhood, police said. One officer remained with Zickefoose and later took him into custody, while another officer pursued Hampton, police reported. The officer chasing Hampton noticed a "large amount of blood throughout the neighborhood and yards," according to McGuire.

Police followed a trail of blood through neighboring yards to a property in the 400 block of West Crocker Street, where Hampton was found hiding beneath a tarp draped over a swing set and bleeding from the hand. Hampton was uncooperative with police and had to be ordered out by gunpoint, police reported.

Hampton was taken into custody and transported to Fostoria Community Hospital for treatment of the laceration on his hand. Drug paraphernalia with residue was found in Hampton's possession and was sent to the lab for testing, police reported.

During a search of the area, the money bag and cell phone taken in the robbery were found on a shelf in a garage at a nearby property, and the knife had been thrown on the garage's roof.

"It was a nice job by the officers, not only in tracking him down, but in finding the money bag and the victim's cell phone, and even the utility knife used in the robbery," said McGuire.

Hampton is being held in jail on a $350,000 bond with his next court hearing scheduled for Nov. 23. Zickefoose, is being held on a $25,000 bond and is due in court on Nov. 24, according to the court clerk.

Subscribe to The Courier.

Comment on This Story

NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail rebeccaconklin@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.

Name:

E-mail:

Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.

Confirm E-mail:

Subject:

Comments:

Verification:

Confirmation Code:

Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.

10 Comments

Latest comments listed first.

J. wrote:

drug addiction and crime go hand in hand

this is a horrible incident without a doubt and punishment should be handed out as deserved. The underlying issue with this and so many other crimes is DRUG ADDICTION! I personally believe drug abuse stems from deep rooted problems, abuse, mental illness etc. Of course the individual is responsible for all actions he/she commits but I wish America would wake up and start fighting the war on drugs in our own backyards! These people need help. In my opinion no human soul is a waste and I truly believe more needs to be done to address this issue. yes these are grown men responsible for their actions and they deserve whats coming to them but drug abuse is an illness and hopefully they are able to recieve treatment for it.

Monday, November 23, 2009 5:40:29 PM

Kathy wrote:

adam

I was once a pizza driver and no some places dont allow you to carry that much with you, so he probably struggled for nothing.

Saturday, November 21, 2009 10:58:56 AM

Cathy Schulte wrote:

Robbery

You're right Scott>I should have I'm glad that she did not get hurt trying to defend herself (but secretly I'm glad one of the people got hurt and left a trail of blood)>but yeah,just give over the money-people need you at home.

Saturday, November 21, 2009 2:42:56 AM

adam wrote:

pizza

you would be amazing sometimes the ammount they carry. Sometimes its a whole nights woth of working that they gota payback.

Friday, November 20, 2009 3:10:23 PM

Get Real wrote:

Why is this thug on the street anyway?

I believe if you review some history, this creep robbed a pizza driver in August of 2007 two years ago and was involved in a stabbing robbery at a diner in Fostoria several years ago. Why was this guy even on the streets? That girl could've been killed. I hope she sues the judge that let this mongrel out on the streets. Hopefully they put him away for a long time. People like that have no place in society. Hopefully the judge will pay attention this time.

Friday, November 20, 2009 1:35:27 PM

Scott wrote:

Robbery

While I agree with most of Cathy Schulte's comments, I don't agree with, "Good of her to fight back." How stupid would it be to lose your life over "change of $20-$50"?

Friday, November 20, 2009 1:28:20 PM

Cathy Schulte wrote:

Robbery

How dumb ! How much could money a pizza delivery person have? To risk prision for any amount is crazy,but to rob a person of change for what $20-$50? Pure Stupid.
Good for her to fight back !

Friday, November 20, 2009 11:34:18 AM

public service wrote:

two charged after robbery

Great job Fostoria PD! It's good to hear of having a great bunch of officers that continue to shape up the town. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

Friday, November 20, 2009 11:18:22 AM

Rob Martin wrote:

Two charged after robbery

After hearing nothing but bad lately about the FPD, it's nice to read something good and shows these officers did a great job protecting their citizens. Keep up the great work.
Rob Martin
Findlay

Friday, November 20, 2009 6:57:07 AM

Nelda Thomas wrote:

Robbery((s)

I wish news media would start calling the people who commit crimes by their true names: SLIME ..... to call them men or women is a slap in the face of for law-abiding citizens.

Friday, November 20, 2009 6:55:16 AM

VIDEO

LITTLE ROCK NINE: Jefferson Thomas, who was among nine black students initially barred by the Arkansas governor from attending Little Rock Central High School in 1957, spoke to Findlay students as part of Black History Month. The crisis was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.

VIEW VIDEO

SPECIAL SECTIONS

WINTER BRIDAL TAB: Dove releases, prenuptial agreements, bridesmaid advice, budget tips and more to plan your big day.

Brought to you by

STAY IN TOUCH

The Courier on Facebook

VIRTUAL VILLAGE

FOLD IT IN: Swap recipes and learn kitchen tricks with community blogger Paula Gossman.

VISIT BLOG

DROP A LINE: Whether you're always here or just passing through, visit and sign our online Guest Book on the Far Flung blog.

SIGN GUEST BOOK

Explore Virtual Village

PHOTO GALLERY

IMAGE BLOG: Go behind the scenes with Courier photographer Randy Roberts.

Visit Blog

You can purchase photographs from The Courier through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!

LOCAL NEWS

LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...

SARA wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":

SERIOUSLY?

First off, I think this article has been taken WAY out of context. Cograts to the guys who have received their well deserved pro...

2/9/2010 6:51:20 AM

unknown wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":

interested observer

hmm do you have any extra money to help us pay for a 4WD if so let me know so i can buy me one.

2/9/2010 6:50:56 AM

Citizen wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

Road Level Emergencies

If the sheriff issues a level 3 for Hancock County, does that include the city of Findlay?

2/9/2010 6:14:54 AM

Weathertech09 wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

Road Advisory

Even if you issue advisories law enforcement doesn't do a good enough job issuing citations its that simple your out on a level...

2/9/2010 5:52:51 AM

Jimbo wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":

Business as usual.

I guess I am happy that the Fire Department is getting what they deserve, but I feel that there are a lot of other people in the...

2/8/2010 10:05:36 PM

Alicia Chamblee wrote in article "Animal neglect cases getting agency's attention":

Animal Shelter Issues

I cannot believe that the animal shelter "turns away" animals. Of course there are limits to how many animals can be saved, but...

2/8/2010 2:10:44 PM

jeff wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":

Actually if you add in the 5% raise they were supposed to get in 2009 but deferred it till 2010 and the 4% raise they got for 20...

2/8/2010 1:09:12 PM

Interested Observer... wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":

ME...ME...ME...Shut up already

All people want to do is complain. You live in OHIO people. Get a 4WD and you won't be trapped in your driveway, street, etc....

2/8/2010 1:01:05 PM

Just my opinion! wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":

Firemen

My family hasn't seen an increase in over 3 years. My spouse works hard and does everything that is asked of him. I do appreci...

2/8/2010 10:55:06 AM

Baffled wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":

Frightened......please stop....

Is it really necessary to find fault with this article? These men have earned these promotions and in receiving them, have the...

2/8/2010 10:17:03 AM

U.S. Headlines

World News

Ohio News

News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.

The Courier Electronic Edition

Local News

Friday, November 20, 2009

10 Comments

Brought to you by