A Rocky River man came a long way for cigarettes - and a frigid swim.
According to Summit County sheriff's deputies, Ahmad Salti, 52, stole cartons of cigarettes from Sheetz on West Waterloo Road and the Circle K on Massillon Road in Green, then tried the same thing at the BP on South Arlington in Green. A bystander reached inside Salti's vehicle to grab the steering wheel, but wound up getting dragged a short distance.
Salti headed north on Arlington and when he stopped for deputies, Salti ran toward the canal behind Goodyear and jumped in. That's when the alleged robber had a change of heart and called on sheriff's deputies to help him. Salti was taken to a hospital for treatment.
His next stop is the Summit County Jail. Salti is charged with robbery, plus there were arrest warrants for fraud and driving under suspension.
