By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
An armed robbery led to a quick arrest on Thursday and an even quicker appearance in Crawford County Municipal Court Friday that resulted in a $1 million bond.
Mark Morgan came before Judge Shane Leuthold via video conference for an initial hearing on an aggravated robbery charge, a first-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 to 15 years in prison.
As Leuthold read the charge against Morgan, which occurred on Dec. 28 when Morgan allegedly brandished an unknown revolver in a robbery and fled the scene, the defendant noted the weapon was a BB gun.
“It doesn’t really matter if it’s a BB gun or not if people think it is a gun,” Leuthold said.
According to assistant prosecutor Rob Kidd, the Bucyrus Police Department responded to a possible robbery at Check Into Cash, 149 Stetzer Rd., Bucyrus, just after 5 p.m. When police arrived, several employees said the subject fled the area.
The suspect, wearing a sweatshirt with the hood pulled up, approached the cashier, removed a gun from his shirt, and demanded money from the cash register. Kidd added the subject informed the cashier that he was not going to hurt her. Before leaving, the suspect informed the cashier that he was dying and said “God bless you.” Reportedly, $435 was taken from the store.
Bucyrus police posted an image from the business’s security camera footage on the department’s Facebook page and received a quick response from the community. Kidd said users provided police with a possible name and location.
An arrest warrant was filed Thursday and police arrested Morgan at a Days Inn in Tiffin.
“It is quite convincing,” Kidd said of the weapon used in the alleged crime, noting that there was not an orange cap to show it as a toy gun.
Kidd added that an open investigation is ongoing in Galion that fits the description and pattern of Morgan’s actions on Thursday. He indicated that possible additional charges could be pending.
Morgan became emotional as the proceedings went on.
“I’ve never been in trouble,” Morgan pleaded. “I don’t remember a lot (of what happened).”
As Leuthold announced the $1 million bond, Morgan could be heard moaning, “Oh, my God.”
“Whether it’s a BB gun or not . . . we in Crawford County cannot tolerate this type of behavior,” Leuthold said. He added that Morgan was a danger not only to the community, but also to himself, a matter that Morgan agreed with.
“I’m not going to let Mr. Morgan out to commit another offense, not on my watch,” Leuthold concluded.
Brad Starkey was appointed as Morgan’s attorney.
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