In case you missed it: 3 crime stories in Springfield this week

Here are three crime stories The Springfield News-Sun reported during the week of Feb. 24 to March 2.

Couple charged with two counts of animal cruelty

David Theron Channels, Sr., 36, and wife Tiffany Channels, 31, were charged with two counts of a cruelty to a companion animal at Clark County Municipal Court. They both face second degree misdemeanors. If convicted, they could face up to 90 days in jail or a $750 fine.

»READ MORE: Springfield couple accused of animal cruelty; dog found malnourished

The Clark County Dog Warden’s Office received a call on Jan. 31 regarding the condition of a female white and gray pit bull belonging to the couple, according to a court affidavit.

Authorities arrived to the Channels’ home to check on the dog, which had visible rib and hip bones and was without food and water.

The dog was impounded at the Clark County Dog Shelter due to not having a valid license and being off the property.

»CRIME: Springfield restaurant burglarized, ransacked

David Channels did not attend a hearing Monday and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A court hearing is continued for Tiffany Channels until next week, according to online court documents.

Springfield man accused of robbing fast food restaurant with butcher knife

A Springfield man accused of robbing a Hardee’s on South Limestone Street with a butcher knife on Valentine’s Day was indicted at Clark County Common Pleas Court.

»READ MORE: Springfield man accused of robbing fast food restaurant with butcher knife

Eric Dean, 35, was indicted on a charge of aggravated robbery. He pleaded not guilty to a similar charge in Clark County Municipal Court.

Dean allegedly told police officers that he did not remember robbing the restaurant because he was drunk. He later allegedly told them that he robbed the restaurant because his girlfriend had pressured him to come up with money.

Springfield police spoke with an employee who said that an unknown male pulled a butcher knife from his rear waistband and demanded money from the register. When the employee said no, the unknown man stated he had a gun and would shoot restaurant employees if they did not comply.

»CRIME: ‘This isn’t me’: Clark County man sentenced in 2018 throat-slicing case

Another witness told police he saw the suspect holding a knife in front of the counter and that he chased the suspect out of the restaurant, according to the affidavit.

Springfield police later detained a man matching the suspect’s description in front of a home on Clifton Avenue. The man was later identified as Dean.

Springfield woman allegedly stabbed her uncle, asked courts to discard evidence

Rebecca Isaac, 37, faces an attempted murder charge after allegedly stabbing her uncle in 2018. She pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

»READ MORE: Springfield woman who allegedly stabbed uncle wants court to toss evidence

A defense motion filed against Isaac says that a psychiatrist determined Isaac was not competent to waive her Miranda rights before police interviewed her.

Springfield police were called to a home on the 2100 block of Gerald Drive in reference to a stabbing. The victim was found inside the residence bleeding from a chest wound, according to an affidavit.

A family member told police that she received a call from the victim after the assault and that Isaac stabbed and robbed him of $300, according to the affidavit.

»CRIME: Springfield man charged with robbing two gas stations overnight

The victim was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center, where his injuries were assessed. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, the affidavit says.

The affidavit does not describe the interview between Isaac and police. However, the defense motion says police interviewed Isaac on camera on June 20 and that while it appears Isaac waived her rights, the court should find that she couldn’t legally do so at the time.

Clark County Common Pleas Judge Richard O’Neil previously ruled that Isaac is competent to stand trial.

A suppression hearing in the case is set for March 5.

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