BOARDMAN Boardman Police arrested three people Tuesday night following a police response to reports of a break-in at a vacant residence on Market Street near Route 224, an incident that prompted a significant police presence and the recovery of two handguns.

Dispatchers got a call just before 8 p.m. about a break-in at a two-story home behind the Men’s Wearhouse on Market Street. Police logs indicate 21 officers responded to the address.

According to the police report, officers met with the property owner, who told them that the residence had been vacant since November. The owner stated that no one had permission to be on the property.

The owner reported that his son saw two people entering the home on Monday. The son ordered the individuals to leave and posted "no trespassing" signs, though police were not called at that time.

Officers surrounded the home and used a public address system to order any occupants to come outside. When the commands weren’t obeyed, the police went into the garage.

Police heard a male, later identified as Michael Hollins, making verbal threats. As an officer continued announcements for the occupants to exit, Hollins reportedly responded, “If you come in here, I’ll shoot you all!”. The officer heard Hollins make similar threats at least two other times.

Due to the nature of the threats, officers on the scene dispatched the Boardman Police Narcotics Enforcement Unit, a specialized response team.

NEU officers entered the first floor of the house and began negotiations with the suspects, who were upstairs. Three people eventually surrendered and were taken into custody: Michael Hollins, Jovaughn Lathern, and a female initially listed as unidentified.

During a search of the house, an officer found two handguns on a bed in a second-floor bedroom. The property owner later confirmed that the firearms did not belong to him.

Hollins, 39, and Lathern, 47, were taken to the Mahoning County Jail on charges of breaking and entering, obstructing official business, and resisting arrest. Hollins, who had a previous felony conviction, faces additional felony charges for intimidation for the alleged threats made toward officers, and weapons under disability due to the presence of the firearms.

Jovaughn Lathern (L) Michael Hollins (R)
Jovaughn Lathern (L) Michael Hollins (R)  

 

The female suspect, who stated she was pregnant and experiencing stomach pain, was taken to Mercy Health Boardman Hospital.

After being medically discharged at 4:58 a.m., she was taken to the Mahoning County Jail.

She was identified by jail deputies as Macie Michelle Opel Dutting, 32, who was found to have multiple active warrants for probation violation and failure to appear.

Hollins and Lathern are being held pending arraignment in Mahoning County Court. The police report lists the primary offense as burglary.