Toledo man charged in store robbery

12/10/2005

A Toledo man was arrested and charged with the robbery Thursday night of a north end video store, police said.

Raymond M. Pride, 18, was taken into custody after police followed footprints in the snow. He was being held in the Lucas County jail on two counts each of aggravated robbery and kidnapping.

Police said the robbery occurred about 7 p.m. at the Video Cave, 527 Manhattan Blvd. Owner Trisha Reese and her son were ordered to the back of the store by a gunman. There, the trio saw Albert McClusier III, police said.

Mr. Pride is accused of ordering the owner's son to tie up both his mother and Mr. McClusier as well as relinquish $57 in cash the youth had in his possession.

The youth was then ordered to get cash from behind one register while Mr. Pride went to another part of the store. That's when the robbery began to unravel, according to police.

Mr. McClusier apparently was working his hands free as Gerald Swan entered the store. Mr. Swan was ordered to the floor, but Mr. Pride apparently didn't see Mr. McClusier coming toward him. The suspect apparently had his shoes slip off as he fought with Mr. McClusier. He ran from the store in his bare feet and was arrested about 8:30 p.m. at a North Toledo residence, police said.

Police said the footprints in the newly fallen snow made their job of finding the robber easier.