A man wanted in connection with two recent armed robberies at Dollar General stores in Stark County has been arrested and is now facing charges in multiple jurisdictions, including allegations that he brandished a knife during the hold-ups and fled with two young children in his vehicle.
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday announced the arrest of Dyllan Riter, 28, in cooperation with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, New Philadelphia police, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Riter was jailed in Tuscarawas County and additional charges are expected there.
According to criminal complaints filed in Stark County, Riter allegedly robbed Dollar General stores in East Sparta and Waynesburg, brandishing a knife and demanding cash from clerks in both incidents. In one instance, a clerk reported Riter held a knife to her throat; in another, a clerk told investigators Riter held a knife to her back. Authorities say he fled with more than $800 in combined cash.
Complaints also allege Riter had two small children — ages 10 months and 5 years — inside his vehicle during one robbery. Deputies attempted a traffic stop afterward, but Riter allegedly fled at a high rate of speed, “driving recklessly” and ignoring commands to stop.
New Philadelphia police encountered Riter around 8 a.m. Wednesday behind a residence near East High Avenue after a report of a suspicious person. During an attempt to arrest him, police say Riter wrestled away an officer’s gun and fired a shot before being subdued. No officers were injured.
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office has charged Riter with two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of child endangering, failure to comply, and theft. The sheriff’s office said Riter was also wanted on a parole violation.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
