Man, woman charged in video store heists

1/16/2011
BLADE STAFF

A man and a woman suspected of holding up two video stores and a children's clothing shop in Toledo and Sylvania Township were arrested and charged with three counts each of aggravated robbery after a witness provided a description of the getaway car Sunday afternoon.

Police said Justin Oliver, 29, and Nicole Reno, 38, were being held in the Lucas County jail. Their addresses were not available.

Detectives said Justin Oliver, who was armed with a knife, demanded cash from a clerk at Family Video at Talmadge and Alexis roads in Sylvania Township at 2:33 p.m. Sunday. Ms. Reno allegedly was waiting outside in the car.

A witness provided police with a description of the pair and the car's license.

Sylvania Township broadcast the information to police in surrounding communities and a Toledo police officer saw the car and stopped it art Lagrange and Sherman.

Mr. Oliver, a passenger, fled and was caught after a brief chase, police said. Ms. Reno, the driver, was arrested without incident.

Detectives from Toledo and Sylvania Township questioned the pair and charged them with Sunday's Family Video holdup and with a Jan. 2 armed robbery of a Family Video at 5001 Rd. in Toledo and with the armed holdup of The Kids Shop, 2019 West Sylvania Ave., Toledo, on Dec. 10.

Police said there has been a rash of similar robberies in recent months and said further investigation could result in additional charges.