2nd man arrested in Smith restraint
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A second man, initially identified only as “Hillbilly,” has been arrested by Smith Township police in the assault and unlawful restraint of a 31-year-old Langeloth man last July at a home on Langeloth-Eldersville Road.
Randy Adkins, 44, of 1431 Langeloth-Eldersville Road, was arraigned Monday before District Judge Gary Havelka on charges of unlawful restraint, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. He and David P. Smith, 46, of 6 Spring Drive, Burgettstown, are accused of holding Wade Keith against his will and threatening him with a knife if he did not pay Adkins $75.
Keith told Smith police that he was walking to Rotollini’s Market, also on Langeloth-Eldersville Road, July 26 when the man he knew as “Hillbilly” called him to his house across from the market. When Keith went on the porch, Adkins reportedly grabbed one arm and Smith the other and took him into the house. They allegedly sat Keith on a chair and told him, “Call your old lady to get the money.”
Keith said he called his girlfriend, identified only as “Donna,” and told her “Hillbilly” wanted $75 or he would harm him. During the ordeal, threats allegedly were made to cut Keith’s throat with a knife.
Police said that when Adkins arrived at the girlfriend’s home on Johns Avenue to collect, she was the telephone with police, and he fled.
Smith police Chief Bernie Larue said officers were able to use documents found in Adkins’ house, as well as information from the co-defendant and victims, to identify Adkins.
Adkins had been in the Jefferson County, Ohio, jail on drug-related charges after he was arrested by Ohio state police following a traffic stop several months ago. Larue said he was found with equipment for a methamphetamine lab in his vehicle. He was returned for arraignment Monday by Washington County detectives.
Adkins was placed in Washington County jail on $10,000 bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Nov. 5 before Havelka.
On Aug. 15, Smith waived a preliminary hearing on charges of unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and terroristic threats after a charge of aggravated assault was dismissed. Havelka amended his bond from $50,000 to an unsecured bond of the same amount.