ATHENS - The Athens County Sheriff's Department has arrested two Belpre men and a Coolville resident in connection with a January attack on an elderly Coolville woman.
Athens Sheriff Patrick Kelly announced Tuesday that Sheriff's Detective Jack Taylor has solved the Jan. 24 assault and robbery of 82-year-old Ota Vincent of Brandeberry Road at Coolville.
Kelly said deputies responded to Vincent's residence early this year and discovered she had been the victim of an attack. During the night, the attackers had beaten Vincent severely, stabbed her in the neck and shoulder area and robbed her.
Vincent was disoriented and confused and unable to contact emergency services until hours had passed but later was able to call 911. The attackers entered the residence during the night time hours by kicking in the front door.
Vincent was transported to Camden Clark Medical Center, Memorial Campus in Parkersburg and then to a Columbus hospital where she spent months rehabilitating.
After months of investigating, Taylor obtained arrest warrants Tuesday and with the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff's Special Response Team arrested Christopher Fleming, 20, and Brandon C. Baker, 19, both of 2202 Hill St., Apt. D, Belpre, at their residence and transported them to the Athens County Sheriff's Office.
Athens County detectives also arrested Colin Stout, 20, 4535 Ireland Road, Coolville, at his residence on Tuesday.
Kelly said Captain Bryan Cooper and Taylor interviewed the suspects at the sheriff's office. The suspects allegedly confessed and cooperated with the detectives during interviews.
Fleming is charged with complicity to commit aggravated burglary and felonious assault, while Baker and Stout have each been charged with aggravated burglary and felonious assault. All of the charges are first-degree felonies under Ohio code.
Athens County Municipal Judge William Grim placed a $100,000 bond on the three suspects. The suspects were incarcerated at Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail in Nelsonville and will appear in court today via telecommunications, Kelly said.
