Grinch hits North Toledo

3 arrested, accused of stealing gifts on Christmas

12/27/2013
BLADE STAFF

Three Toledo-area residents are accused of being in the Grinching spirit early Christmas Day and stealing presents, cookies, and cash from vehicles parked at a North Toledo hotel.

Charged with possession of criminal tools, criminal trespassing, and two counts each of theft and criminal damaging are Ronald Hensley, 53, 2714 River Rd., Maumee, and Deana Steinmiller and Cory O’Connor, both 34, of 101 Lakeland Dr., Lake Township.

Ms. Steinmiller and Mr. O’Connor were arraigned Thursday in Toledo Municipal Court and ordered held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $10,000 bond each. Mr. Hensley was taken to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center on Wednesday because he complained of chest pains as he was being arrested, according to a police report.

Toledo police Officer John Morrison was dispatched to the Fairfield Inn, 5685 Benore Rd., just before 1 a.m. on Christmas because of people reported to be breaking into vehicles.

As the officer arrived, he saw a sport utility vehicle matching a witness’ description trying to leave. The officer blocked the vehicle with his patrol car.

While questioning the occupants, Officer Morrison observed glass in the hood of Mr. O’Connor’s sweatshirt; Mr. Hensley had cuts on his hands and wrists.

Police found stolen property — a candle, stuffed animal, toys, board games, cash, four nutcrackers, a pinball game, a cake pan, and five tins of homemade Christmas cookies — inside the SUV, which is registered to Ms. Steinmiller. Officer Morrison reported finding two screwdrivers, two tire irons, and a fixed-blade knife in Ms. Steinmiller’s vehicle.

Officers returned the gifts to the owners and took Ms. Steinmiller and Mr. O’Connor to jail.