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Groskopf allegedly stole firearms from a Kirkwood Heights residence By KIM NORTH Times Leader Staff Writer BRIDGEPORT — An alert neighbor is responsible for a Wheeling man being arrested early Wednesday morning by village police. According to Bridgeport Police Chief John Bumba, units were dispatched to the Kirkwood Heights area at approximately 9:51 a.m. after receiving a 9-1-1 call from a woman who had just observed a man breaking into a nearby home. “The witness said the male entered the residence, retrieved several firearms and then left in a green station wagon-type vehicle headed down Kirkwood Heights Road,” the woman told the dispatcher. Bumba said he encountered the alleged vehicle and activated his lights and siren, but to no avail. “He didn’t stop,” the chief reported. According to Bumba, 59-year-old John Groskopf was eventually arrested after a brief chase, both by vehicle and on foot. “He reached speeds of about 40 miles per hour,” the chief noted of the chase that traveled on several streets through a residential area. “It started (west) on Whitley and turned (north) onto Dekalb. The driver then turned (west) onto Howard before turning (south) onto Sumpter and then (east) onto Bennett where he stopped in the 500 block.” According to Bumba, that’s when Groskopf reportedly exited his vehicle and took off on foot. He was apprehended about a block-and-a-half away. The chief said Groskopf is facing a pair of felony charges that include breaking and entering (F-3) and theft (F-5). Groskopf is currently lodged in the Belmont County Jail under $2,500 surety bond for the B&E and $10,000 for the theft. Bumba said in addition to officers from his department, other units assisting included Bellaire, Martins Ferry and several from the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department.

BRIDGEPORT — A man is being treated for injuries he sustained while crossing U.S. 40 near Big Lots in Bridgeport on Wednesday evening.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. William Howard said late Thursday the report on the accident still is being completed. However, he said a man was attempting to cross National Road when he was struck by a vehicle traveling west.

“The pedestrian was taken to Wheeling Hospital for treatment,” Howard said, adding the accident happened about 8:30 p.m.

No more information was available at press time.

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