ASHTABULA — An apparent armed robbery turned into a 90-minute standoff as police waited for a suspect to give himself up in an apartment complex near Bunker Hill Road and Washington Avenue Thursday evening.
More than 50 people stood on porches and sidewalks at the intersection, creating a scene that looked more like a block party than a crime scene.
Police officers aimed shotguns at a three-story apartment building where they believed the suspect was held up. “We need some popcorn,” said one woman while watching the events unfold.
For more than an hour, people trained their cell phone-cameras at the scene as many shared stories about the people involved in the incident and police attempted to roust the robbery suspect.
At 7:08 p.m., Mastafa Siler surrendered after the Ashtabula County SWAT team fired a “distractionary device,” creating a loud popping noise into the building. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant, said Ashtabula Police Department Lt. Joseph Cellitti said the incident began when a report of an armed robbery was called in to the police department about 5:30 p.m.
He said the alleged victim told police that he was robbed at gunpoint and was able to identify the suspect and told them the suspect, later identified as Siler, was in the second floor apartment of 545 Bunker Hill Road.
A man, who said he was the victim and asked not to be identified, told the Star Beacon he was driven to the area by a woman and a man pulled a pistol and asked him for his money. The alleged victim waited on Washington Avenue, hoping to get $1,300 that was taken returned.
A woman, who was not identified, was also taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, Cellitti said.
“After some time, a tenant (of the second floor apartment) opened the door and advised the suspect had gone to the third floor apartment where he had once lived,” Cellitti said.
Police at one point found a firearm but it wasn’t immediately clear if it had been in Siler’s possession. The suspect continued to refuse to give up and apparently stayed on the third floor of the building.
Ashtabula police cruisers were used to block Bunker Hill Road at Washington Avenue and an Ashtabula Fire Department ladder truck blocked Bunker Hill Road near the Circle K convenience store. Several Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department deputies were also involved in supporting the police department during the incident.
People were continually asked by police to return to the sidewalk from the street as SWAT team members gathered.
At 6:27 p.m., several SWAT team members walked between the buildings and eventually several entered the building with shields drawn.
“This is the reason why I don’t want to live here. This is the worst in eight years.” said Raynette Cook, who lives several houses away. She said she made her children stay in the basement of their home to be safe.
Cook said there are constant fights in the area. “This (type of behavior) has increased over the years,” she said.
At 6:55 p.m., Detective John Bainton began making calls to Siler through a bullhorn.
“This is the Ashtabula Police Department. You need to come to the door with your hands on your head. We don’t want anyone to get hurt,” he said.
Bainton gave Siler several reminders that police didn’t want anyone to get hurt and urged him to come outside.
After several more minutes Bainton said, “We’re not going to tell you again,” and at 7:06 p.m. the loud blast occurred and within two minutes police said they got him.
Cellitti said nobody was injured and there wasn’t anyone with Siler during his time on the third floor of the building.
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