Friday, January 28, 2000
Hit-skip driver sought
Woman killed was a city fixture
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — Police are asking for help in identifying the hit-and-run driver who ran down a 72-year-old woman who was a familiar sight downtown, where she often picked up cans for extra cash.
Armina Mitchell, 72, 1508 Columbia Ave., was pronounced dead Wednesday at Middletown Regional Hospital. Police found her and the cart she used to collect cans lying on Clark Street at about 7 p.m. after a nearby resident reported someone down, said Middletown Police Lt. Don Owens.
There were no witnesses. Police think the vehicle, which was traveling south on Clark, was a late-model General Motors product. It was probably medium blue, with a damaged right front side, based on parts found at the scene.
The case is still under investigation. An autopsy was completed Thursday, but cause of death has not been determined, according to the Butler County Coroner's office.
Mrs. Mitchell lived with her son and daughter, Sam and Debbie Mitchell, and was a familiar sight for many years, Lt. Owens said.
Tim Buchanan, owner of Anchor Restaurant, on Central Avenue, said Mrs. Mitchell was quiet but spunky. She spoke her mind, and didn't hesitate to call police when someone made her mad, he said, laughing at the memory.
Mr. Buchanan said he'd known her about five years; her son, 15.
“She'd just stop in here from time to time. I'd bring them down and feed them Christmas dinner,” Mr. Buchanan said. “They were here Christmas Day. For some reason, she wanted a picture of herself with me. Sam brought me a copy in a frame. I have it in my restaurant.”
Mr. Buchanan, who said he will be pallbearer during private services Monday ,at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, said Mrs. Mitchell collected cans for years, year-round.
Mrs. Mitchell's children could not be reached for comment.
James Richardson, a scale operator at Cohen Brothers Inc., said Mrs. Richardson hauled her aluminium cans in to be recycled a few times each year.
For every pound, she got 25 cents.
“She was always kind. She was very cooperative, easygoing, nice to talk to,” Mr. Richardson said. “She usually saved them up the last few months of the year and brought in more close to the holidays.” She'd sometimes have $20 to $30 dollars' worth or more.
When police went to her home to report the incident, they found bags of cans alongside the house, Lt. Owens said.
“Anyone with any information that might help us at all are asked to call 425-7700,” Lt. Owens said.
Fugitive sought in killing
Parks won't pay for deck
Warm-up coming, but get your shovel
Auf Wiedersehen to a Zinzinnati institution
Tristaters: Clinton packed a punch
Area Republicans pan president's proposals
Text of State of the Union address
War 'blood brothers' want to reunite
Wrongful birth suit uncharted territory
Police hoping for stricter seat-belt law
School board accused of caving
Taft appointments more diverse
Woman who copped cruiser to get mental exam
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
14 ideas for the 14th
GET TO IT
Getting married? Be in our 'Love Story'
NBC delays private-eye comedy
Sundancers abuzz about films online
Trucks Band a few songs behind Allmans
AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
Auditor to review Lebanon buyouts
Boy accused of groping 10-year-olds at school
Burglar-molester gets 29 years
Businesses see group growing
Butler County has new funeral carriage new for officers
Food agencies want Y2K leftovers
Glenn mission results in
Hit-skip driver sought
Inmate comes to court via TV
Miamitown salvages river relic
Minority students to get aid
Monroe plans to study fire status
Montgomery woman has new career: Mom
Ohio fights to reserve contracts for minorities
One arrested, one sought in shooting and robbery
Republicans sign up to support Roeding
School bets on reading emphasis
Sheriff goes after grants
TRISTATE DIGEST
Truck ban suit is topic of meeting
UV light to be used at plant
Visalia water plan resurfaces
Water rate raised to pay legal bills
