Man pleads not guilty in robbery case

1/24/2012

A Toledo man pleaded not guilty in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Monday to charges associated to the armed robbery of a north-end convenience store that resulted in the death of his alleged accomplice.

Joseph R. Hunter, 25, whose last known address according to court records is 625 Acklin Ave., is charged with one count each of involuntary manslaughter, attempt to commit murder, felonious assault, and aggravated robbery, each with gun specifications. The charges are the result of the Nov. 21 armed robbery of a Mulberry Street store in which Lamar Allen, 25, was shot and killed by the clerk.

Authorities said Hunter was charged with involuntary manslaughter for Allen's death because it was Hunter's alleged criminal actions that resulted in his accomplice's death.

Hunter is accused of entering the Express Carryout, 1920 Mulberry St., with Allen about 9:45 a.m. Police said at the time the two men held the clerk at gunpoint while trying to rob the store. Allen was shot multiple times and died at the scene.

Judge Stacy Cook set a Feb. 13 court date. Hunter is in custody at the county jail in lieu of $500,000 bond.