Oct. 26 trial set for man accused of robberies

9/30/2010

A man accused of robbing senior citizens in separate incidents, including a 78-year-old man he allegedly stabbed in West Toledo, is to go on trial Oct. 26 in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Brian Roach, 34, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two counts of aggravated robbery and one count each of felonious assault, robbery, and failure to comply with an order of a police officer. Judge Linda Jennings denied his request to alter his $380,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 37 years in prison.

Police say Mr. Roach stabbed and robbed Gerald Cope, of Lambertville, who was leaving a dentist's office at 4841 Monroe St. on Aug. 30.

A day later, Mr. Roach allegedly tried to rob Geneva Cully, 78, in the DeVeaux Village parking lot. The suspect fled when she kicked him in the groin.