Three suspects in a weekend robbery are not old enough to legally drink or drive a car – but they destroyed a vacated city bar early Friday morning.

Sunday, April 16, 2000

Three suspects in a weekend robbery are not old enough to legally drink or drive a car – but they destroyed a vacated city bar early Friday morning.

Three Ironton children are awaiting trial in Ironton Juvenile Court after a midnight foray into vandalism and robbery at the former Ole Menagerie.

At about midnight Friday, a 12-year-old Ironton girl, accompanied by an 11-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, also of Ironton, entered the South Third Street bar.

The bar, which has been closed to business for at least three months, remained empty as the juvenile suspects ransacked the business area, destroying equipment, smashing bottles and stealing anything of value they could find, officers said.

"Several thousands of dollars of damage was done during the incident," said Ironton Police Department Detective Capt. Chris Bowman. "An undetermined amount of change and goods were stolen."

To enter the building, the children broke a glass window and gained access to the remaining liquor and any money on the premises.

"They also broke a large jukebox and stole several CDs," Bowman said. "The interior of the building was severely damaged - they basically ransacked the place during the robbery."

Although the three suspects are currently in custody following their 8 a.m. Friday arrest, the incident is still under investigation, Bowman added.

"The investigation is ongoing and we do expect additional arrests in the case," he said. "If anyone has any relevant information concerning the case, please contact the police department at 532-5606."

The juveniles are currently detained at the Dennis Boll Group and Shelter Home where they will remain until their court appearances and sentencings, Bowman said.

Due to the ages of the suspects, IPD officials said they cannot release the names at this time.