Suspect Identified in Violent Boardman Tobacco Store Robbery

A 23-year-old man from Youngstown is currently sitting in the Mahoning County Jail facing robbery charges after an attempted shoplifting escalated into a physical confrontation. The suspect, identified by police as Landin Pillar, was arrested following a chaotic incident at a local tobacco shop earlier this week.

The Altercation at Tobacco City

According to the official police report, the incident unfolded at Tobacco City, located on Route 224 in Boardman. An employee informed responding officers that Pillar entered the establishment visibly intoxicated, allegedly stating he had "smoked too much marijuana." After legitimately purchasing a can of chewing tobacco, Pillar proceeded to open another product off the shelf without paying for it.

When the employee confronted Pillar and informed him that he could not open unpaid merchandise, Pillar was asked to leave the store. He refused the request. The situation escalated when Pillar reportedly reached behind the store's counter, grabbed the product he had just opened, walked outside, and bizarrely threw it into an exterior flower bed.

Violence and Threats

Pillar then re-entered the store. When employees demanded he return the stolen merchandise, he again refused. In an attempt to prevent the suspect from fleeing with stolen goods, an employee grabbed Pillar by the arm. A physical fight immediately ensued. During the scuffle, Pillar allegedly punched the employee in the face. Furthermore, before police could arrive and subdue him, Pillar issued death threats, claiming he would send people back to the business to kill one of the employees.

Pillar was successfully arrested at the scene and subsequently booked into jail on a robbery charge. Arraignment details are still pending in court records.

Handling Intoxicated and Combative Subjects

This violent encounter highlights the extreme unpredictability of dealing with intoxicated individuals in a retail setting. Store management must emphasize de-escalation over merchandise recovery:

• Avoid Physical Contact: Employees should be explicitly trained never to physically touch, grab, or attempt to detain an uncooperative or intoxicated shoplifter. Physical contact is the most common trigger for a violent assault.
• Focus on De-escalation: Use a calm, steady voice. Do not argue or attempt to reason logically with someone who is heavily intoxicated.
• Create Distance: If a customer becomes belligerent, employees should immediately step back, create physical distance, and ensure they have a clear path to an exit or a secure back room.
• Call for Professional Help: If a subject refuses to leave or begins damaging property, employees should immediately disengage and call 911, allowing trained law enforcement officers to handle the physical removal of the suspect.