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Police: Hazleton woman slashed ex’s face, struck his girlfriend

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Hughestown man allegedly threatened to kill police during standoff

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; A 16-year-old was charged as an adult on allegations he robbed another teenager during a drug deal on Saturday.</p><p>City police arrested Ian Koch, of Taft Street, after investigating an armed robbery in the area of East Northampton and South Sheridan streets just before 11 a.m.</p><p>According to the criminal complaint:</p><p>Police responded to an armed robbery and were advised that a juvenile would be waiting near a black Hyundai. When officers arrived, they did not see a Hyundai but later spotted it turning onto East Northampton Street from South Meade Street.</p><p>Police followed the Hyundai and initiated a traffic stop to verify the car&#8217;s three occupants were safe. The vehicle stopped in the area of 260 S. Sherman St.</p><p>The juvenile driver of the vehicle told police initially claimed he had no knowledge of the 911 call reporting the robbery. He later recanted saying he gave Koch a ride and when they reached East Northampton and Sheridan streets, Koch brandished a handgun and demanded money.</p><p>The juvenile driver told police Koch wore a black Champion sweatshirt with a &#8220;C&#8221; logo on it.</p><p>Police learned Koch resides with his mother on Taft Street.</p><p>When officers spoke with the mother, they noticed a black Champion sweatshirt in the living room. Koch&#8217;s mother pulled out a handgun from a purse, and officers instructed her to put the weapon down.</p><p>Police said the handgun, a .38 special, was loaded with five rounds in the cylinder, the complaint says.</p><p>Koch was detained by police when he was spotted walking on East Northampton Street.</p><p>During an interview, Koch told police he contacted the juvenile to buy marijuana and when they met, Koch pulled out a firearm and stole marijuana and cash, the complaint says.</p><p>Koch was arraigned by District Judge Richard Cronauer in Wilkes-Barre on three counts of simple assault, and one count each of robbery, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of a firearm by a minor and theft. He was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $25,000 bail. </p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Ed Lewis</p><p>elewis@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div>

Teen charged as an adult in Wilkes-Barre armed robbery