Ramblers Roost robbery suspects nabbed

Van Wert independent staff

OTTAWA – Two suspects in Sunday’s robbery at the Ramblers Roost restaurant were captured without incident on Monday.

According to Putnam County Sheriff Michael C. Chandler, investigators from his department, working in conjunction with the Van Wert and Paulding sheriff’s offices, were able to obtain reliable information on the whereabouts of robbery suspects James R. Reynolds and Trent A. Webster.

On Monday, Putnam County deputies obtained a search warrant for a residence at 25751 U.S. 224, near Fort Jennings, and deputies from the three counties searched the house, where they found Reynolds and Webster hiding in a small confined area of the structure.

Webster, 49, of Van Wert, was wanted on a warrant for robbery, a second-degree felony, in connection with the Ramblers Roost robbery, while Reynolds, 34, of Fort Jennings, was considered a “person of interest” in the Ramblers Roost case.

In addition, Reynolds was wanted by Paulding County authorities on an indictment for aggravated robbery, also a felony of the second degree, handed down in that county in connection with a robbery at Ross’s Gas Station in Grover Hill back in October.

A dark blue and tan Ford Explorer was believed used in both robberies, while two people also reportedly participated in both crimes.

Witnesses to the Grover Hill robbery reported seeing a second person outside waiting in a vehicle when Reynolds allegedly held up the store and assaulted two employees. In addition, Webster, who was identified through witness descriptions and a security camera photo as the person who entered the Ramblers Roost, told an employee there to give him money, while adding that another person was outside and there would be “problems” if the worker didn’t comply.

No further information has been released, and it is not known at this time where Reynolds and Webster are being held, nor when they will make court appearances on the charges.