Toledo robber hurt in October attempt dies of injuries

6/20/2007

A Toledo man whose neck was broken after he tried to steal a woman's beer outside a carry-out last fall died yesterday and his death is being treated as a homicide, authorities said.

Howard Ross, of 1465 Milburn Ave. died on his 59th birthday in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

He had been in nursing homes and hospitals since he was beaten Oct. 10 and he used a ventilator, Dr. Diane Barnett, a Lucas County deputy coroner, said. She plans to conduct an autopsy today.

Mr. Ross tried to rob Tammy Hall, 33, at 4:50 p.m. as she walked out of the Huron Market, 528 Magnolia St., with the beer she had just bought, police said at the time.

He shoved, pushed, and pulled her hair her until she gave up the beer, according to records given to Dr. Barnett.

A 21-year-old construction worker, Jeff Clark, who was working nearby, saw the altercation and came to Ms. Hall's aid, fighting off Mr. Ross, police said at the time.

Mr. Clark held his arm out straight and hit Mr. Ross in the neck, a move called "clotheslining," Dr. Barnett said.