Teen accused of robbing gas station with rifle

A 15-year-old North Ridgeville teen is in custody after police say he used a rifle Aug. 30 to rob a gasoline station.

At 11:48 p.m., the North Ridgeville Police Department received a report of a robbery at the Marathon Gas Station, 35600 Center Ridge Road, according to a news release.

The release did not say what charges the teen faces. The caller reported a male wearing an orange mask and camouflage entered the business carrying a rifle.

The culprit stole several items from the store and left walking east on Center Ridge Road near Jaycox Road, still carrying the rifle, when officers saw him, the release said.

Upon seeing the officers, the male set the rifle on the ground and immediately raised his hands above his head.

Officers apprehended him without incident.

The M4 carbine had a loaded magazine with a round in the chamber, according to the release.

The male still was wearing the orange mask and had a duffle bag that contained the stolen items from the gas station, as well as another loaded magazine for the rifle.

Police also said the teen had a large hunting knife, secured in a leather sheath, in his pocket.

Investigations revealed that the 15-year-old had taken the rifle from a secured gun safe at his residence, the release said.

The juvenile was processed and transported to the Lorain County Detention Center, pending his appearance at Lorain County Juvenile Court, according to the release.