By April Rodgers, Freelance Journalist FreeWire—Your News, Your Voice
John C. Powell was arrested on November 5 and faces multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, failure to comply with a police signal, and tampering with evidence, after allegedly committing two armed robberies in Galion that same day.
Powell allegedly entered Valero and Buehlers Liquor Store armed with firearms. Officers quickly located his Ford F-150, which had fled the first scene, and pursued him into Morrow County. Powell reportedly evaded police while driving at speeds over 50 mph in a 25 mph zone and running stop signs. After stopping, he consumed alcohol from a bottle, made suicidal comments, and threatened officers.
All stolen property, including cash from the robberies, was recovered. The Galion Police Department Police Chief Ryan Strange credited coordination with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for the safe resolution.
Powell faces the following charges:
• Aggravated robbery (two counts, each with firearm specifications) – up to 11 years each
• Failure to comply with a police signal – up to 3 years
• Tampering with evidence – up to 3 years
• Additional potential charges, including OVI, are expected to be presented to a grand jury
At the time of his arrest, Powell was already on probation for an OVI charge from July 11, 2025, with conditions including no alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia; random testing; and random searches of person, property, or premises. His driver’s license was suspended from July 11, 2025, to July 11, 2026.
During a bond hearing, the prosecutor filed a motion for no bond, citing a qualifying offense, clear and convincing evidence of the crime, and Powell being a danger to the public. The judge granted the motion, and Powell remains in custody pending further proceedings.
FreeWire will continue to follow this case and provide updates on upcoming court proceedings and any additional charges as they are filed.
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