“A great benefit” is how Reeve described the media’s role.
MORE: 2 charged in same-day Middletown store robberies: What’s next for them?
While it was difficult for police to identify the suspects because of their masks, Reeve said people who “know the suspects” were able to identify them based on their clothes and vehicle.
Austin Getter, 20, of Middletown, and a 15-year-old juvenile were arrested last week after they allegedly robbed Discount Tobacco, 408 S. Breiel Blvd., on June 10, and Speedway, 3104 Roosevelt Blvd., several hours later.
Police said the two were “peacefully taken into custody” in the 6900 block of Bavarian Street the day after the alleged robberies and charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, first-degree felonies.
In each incident, the suspects were described as two young, thin, white males in their teens or 20s wearing masks. They displayed a handgun and robbed the clerks at gunpoint, police said.
Getter’s preliminary hearing, set for last week, was continued until today in Middletown Municipal Court. Bond was set at $20,000 cash, surety or property by Judge James Sherron, according to records. Getter remains in the Middletown City Jail and his attorney is Sam Borst.
The 15-year-old was taken to Butler County Juvenile Detention Center, and his a pre-trial hearing was continued until Friday. He remains in the juvenile detention, according to court records.
Police said masks, “realistic looking BB guns” and money were recovered during a search warrant of a residence were Getter lives, police said.
“Every little piece of evidence helps,” Reeve said.
About the Author
