LIBERTY TWP., Ohio (WKBN) – A suspect shot during what investigators called an attempted bank robbery in Liberty now faces federal charges.
Armed bank robbery charges were filed in federal court this week against 23-year-old Dabraylin Hawkins, of Youngstown.
“They’ve reached out to us and they said they want to take him federally and he would be looking at, you know, harsher penalties,” said Liberty Township police chief Toby Meloro.
Investigators from the FBI reported that Hawkins admitted to trying to rob Home Savings on July 25, according to court documents. He told investigators that he needed the money, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators say Hawkins walked into the bank on Belmont Avenue and fired a warning shot into the ceiling. Once the gun was fired, a uniformed police officer at the bank returned fire and the robber exchanged fire with the officer, according to investigators.
The robber then ran, police said.
Police arrested Hawkins, who had a gunshot wound, in the parking lot of Jimmy’s Italian Specialities nearby. He was taken to St. Elizabeth’s for treatment for the wounds.
A Liberty officer reported finding the gun in the bushes behind the bank.
Police identified the officer involved as G.T. Bednar. He remains on paid administrative leave.
Hawkins was transferred to the Mahoning County Jail, where he’s being held prior to a federal preliminary and detention hearing, scheduled for August 7.
