2 suspects sought for MP area robbery

Van Wert independent staff

Two area men are being sought for a robbery that occurred early this morning at the Ramblers Roost on Lincoln Highway.

Trent A. Webster, 49, of Van Wert, is being sought on a charge of robbery, a felony of the second degree, while James R. Reynolds, 34, of Fort Jennings, is listed as a person of interest in the case. Reynolds, a suspect in a Paulding County robbery that occurred October 4, is currently wanted on a warrant issued in Paulding County for aggravated robbery, a felony of the second degree.

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said in a news release that his department received a 9-1-1 call at 1:59 Sunday morning stating that someone had just robbed the Rambler’s Roost.

According to employees of the restaurant, a man identified as Webster entered the business and told an employee to give him money. Although he never showed a weapon, Webster told employees that someone else was waiting outside and there would be problems if he, Webster, was not given the money. The employee then complied with Webster’s demand for money.

Deputies investigating the incident identified Webster from employees’ descriptions and a surveillance camera. The suspect was last seen wearing a dark-colored hat, dark-colored zip-up jacket, a dark-colored shirt and glasses. Description of the vehicle used is a 1995-2000 Ford Explorer, blue over tan, and possibly an Eddie Bauer edition.

Sheriff Riggenbach also noted that the robbery investigation is continuing and more charged could be filed.

The sheriff is asking anyone with information on the robbery, or the location of Webster or Reynolds, to contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419.238.3866, or use the Sheriff’s Office’s website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com by clicking on the “Submit a Crime Tip” link.

Those with information can also contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department at 419.399.3791, access that department’s Facebook page or access the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office website at www.pauldingohsheriff.com.

Area residents can also contact Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP (7867). Sheriff Riggenbach said those providing information can remain anonymous.