WILMINGTON — The case against two alleged armed robbers has been moved to the Clinton County Common Pleas Court.
James Clifton, 61, and Levi Cutcher, 56, both of Cincinnati, waived their rights to a preliminary hearing in front of Clinton County Municipal Court Judge Mike Daugherty on Tuesday.
Both suspects remain incarcerated in the Clinton County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Each faces one count of felony 1 aggravated robbery in connection with the robberies of two Clinton County service stations. Clifton had faced a failure to comply charge, but it was dismissed on the motion of the state.
The two were apprehended after a Clinton County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the Shell station on U.S. 68 near Interstate 71 on July 10. The initial caller reported the two suspects came in, one brandishing a shotgun, and stole money and miscellaneous items.
Deputies had determined they matched the characteristics of a robbery that occurred on June 28 at the Shell station located on State Route 73 near Interstate 71.
According to police, the suspects led sheriff’s deputies on a chase which later involved the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Mason Police Department. The vehicle was eventually slowed when stop sticks were deployed the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The vehicle continued, however (on three tires and a rim) reaching Exit 25 when Cutcher exited the vehicle and attempted to run, police said.
Two troopers and a deputy gave chase and captured him just east of the vehicle. Clifton was taken without incident.
The shotgun allegedly used in the robberies was located in the vehicle.
