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LISBON -- An alleged escapee on the loose from Lisbon since Aug. 5 got caught in Youngstown early Thursday morning, just in time to return to Columbiana County to face arraignment on felony charges.
Ashley Croley, 37, Youngstown, appeared via video before county Municipal Court Judge Tim McNicol Thursday morning on charges of fourth-degree felony theft and fifth-degree felony escape. Her bond was set at $30,000 cash or surety and she remained in the county jail.
A preliminary hearing was set at 1 p.m. Oct. 5 in county Municipal Court.
The U.S. Marshals issued a press release detailing the capture of Croley by the U.S. Marshals-led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, which tracked her to Youngstown and made the arrest in the 100 block of East Judson.
According to the press release, Croley was recently indicted by the Columbiana County Grand Jury for charges of escape, grand theft of a motor vehicle, felonious assault and vehicular assault via secret indictment.
Croley had been sentenced to serve up to six months at the community-based Eastern Ohio Correction Center as a requirement of probation for a drug charge after she violated the terms of community control.
She scaled a fence at the facility on North Market Street in Lisbon and made her way to the parking lot of East of Chicago Pizza, where she reportedly stole a blue Chevy Cobalt. The car owner, Timothy Felt, came outside from picking up an order and saw her taking off with his car. In the process of leaving, she allegedly ran over his foot.
The stolen car was found abandoned about a week later on West Delason Avenue in Youngstown.
Lisbon Police Chief Mike Abraham said tips had been received that Croley was staying with someone in Youngstown. According to the U.S. Marshals press release, Mark Heath, an associate of Croley, was arrested for obstruction of justice due to alleged actions during the arrest.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in the press release that "our task force and law enforcement partners did a great job staying with this case and ensuring the judicial process was carried out."
Abraham thanked the U.S. Marshals for all the work they did. He also thanked all the people who called in tips, which he said were good tips.