Two more arrests have been made in the case of a
drug deal gone bad, Erie County sheriff's deputies
reported Friday night.
Eugene A. Todie, 20, of Kenmore, and Levi G.
Phillips, 17, of Grand Island, each were charged
with felony counts of robbery and assault, and a
misdemeanor charge of criminal possession of a
weapon.
Deputies said the arrests completed an
investigation of an Oct. 25 robbery of Grand
Island resident Stephen Spath, which occurred in a
car driven by Timothy J. Higgins, 19, who was
arrested that night. Spath allegedly solicited
Phillips because he wanted to buy some marijuana;
once the car reached Spath's home, he was accosted
by Higgins and robbed of about $50, authorities
said.
Todie, a passenger, is accused of wrapping a
cord around Spath's neck and choking him. Spath
then was pushed from the car.
The arrests were made Wednesday by Detective
Kenneth Stevens and Deputy Kevin Stephens.
Following arraignment, Todie was sent to the
county holding center in lieu of $5,000 bail and
Phillips was released to his parents' custody.
