Hijacking, Theft Cases Heard in Wilkinsburg

The following cases recently were heard by District Judge Kim M. Hoots in Wilkinsburg:

Aaron Tipton, 20, of Penn Hills was held for court on charges of carrying a firearm without a license, kidnapping for ransom, robbery, simple assault, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and two counts of criminal conspiracy. Wilkinsburg police charged Tipton on Feb. 28 after he hijacked a man’s car, stole $680 from him and took him to get more money, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint says the man jumped from the moving vehicle and ran off to call police.

Meiko Devaugh, 18, of Wilkinsburg waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges of drug possession and illegal possession of a firearm. Wilkinsburg police charged Devaughn on Jan. 19. According to the criminal complaint, Devaughn, whose juvenile record prohibits him from owning a gun, pulled a .38 revolver on his grandfather after an argument. When police searched the house for the gun, they also found heroin.

Robert Russell Spence, 61, of Duquesne waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges of retail theft and disorderly conduct. Edgewood police charged Spence on May 23 after he tried to steal $591.90 worth of meat from the on South Braddock Avenue, according to the criminal complaint.

Ashley Marie Harris, 24, of Millvale was held for court on charges of DUI and running a stop sign. Wilkinsburg police arrested and charged Harris on March 22 after a traffic stop on the 1400 block of Wood St.