Caught: Two More Arrested In Amish Robbery & Assault Case (Ohio)
Looks like they got the rest of them.
At yesterday’s press conference on the brutal home invasion and assault of an Amish man and his eight-year-old son, we learned that one of three suspects – a man named Bradford James Hosler – had been arrested.
Geauga County, Ohio Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand stated then that “I feel very confident that within the next couple days the other two individuals are also going to be joining him in our jail.”
Well, it looks like he knew what he was talking about. Reports are just emerging that the remaining two suspects have been arrested – one after a standoff in Canton earlier today. From Cleveland.com:
CANTON, Ohio — Two men were arrested in Canton Wednesday in connection with last week’s violent home invasion at an Amish family’s home in Middlefield Township, where attackers used a stun gun and threatened to kidnap an 8-year-old boy, authorities said.
William Luke Hatfield, 41, of Massillon, was taken into custody around noon Oct. 15 in Canton.
About 30 minutes later, Randall Keither Cromer, 37, of Doylestown, was arrested after barricading himself inside a duplex, according Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz.
It’s also good news that authorities were able to apprehend these two without further violence (at least from what’s reported here).
Hatfield and Cromer have already been charged with first-degree kidnapping, and it sounds like further charges are coming.
According to Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, those “could include aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and felonious assault.”
Hosler, who was arrested on October 11, two days after the crimes, has been charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and aggravated kidnapping.
Hosler was described as the “ringleader” and “primary aggressor” by the Sheriff’s Office in the news conference yesterday.
The trio allegedly approached the Byler home and pretended to be interested in purchasing cabinetry from the family’s home business. They then put the eight-year-old boy into a chokehold to force their way into the family’s home.
The invaders proceeded to “ransack” the home, taking money from various sources, perhaps up to $5000. When more money was not forthcoming, they became angry, threatened to kill members of the family, and beat the father with various objects.
They also used as stun gun/Taser on both the father, and on the boy multiple times. Leaving, they took the boy with him, but thankfully he was able to escape and get back to his home.
Hosler’s preliminary hearing comes on October 20. There is no word yet on the first court appearance for these two
Okay
I got to read it before you posted it this time! I’m at 2-2 now. I got to the Samuel Hochstetler court case before you posted it and then this one! How do you find things as quickly as you do? I have always wondered about that. Do you just sit at your computer staring for hours until something Amish comes across the screen? It would be an interesting video a day in your career. Just post it before January so I can watch it. I will have to go by the Attnung in January.
Heheh, neat to hear we’re tied (or were, as of your comment). Some news feeds and other ways as well. Not so much staring but a good amount of checking. I’m not so sure it would be that interesting but thanks for the thought. I hope it goes well for you in Jan.
Respond
Ha! I think it would be interesting. I also love the website. I appreciate how you bring the Amish community to the broader world and make it known that they are human as well. You do a GREAT job! No sugarcoating or one sided propaganda just straight up facts. Maybe I will meet you some time, do you come to Holmes County much? Keep up the great work! I will miss the website!
Amish Home Invasion (Update)
Um, Hosler was the “ringleader” of the group?? Can’t be much of a leader when you get ink permanently placed on your skin, then go try & hide from police. Ha! Score one for the “good guys”. Wish ALL law enforcement officers were as dedicated to public safety, but that’s a whole other “Dr. Phil” show. Like the song goes, “Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition.” Lock these 3 up and throw away the keys! Thanks, Erik.
Exactly on the face tattos…and there is also a video of him counting up cash on camera and supposedly re-enacting what happened with one of the others (while at a gas station). Well done by law enforcement but this guy definitely helped.