Man arrested for Zane Landing robberies

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A local man was arrested for two separate robberies that took place at Zane Landing Park.

The suspect has been identified as Rex Beach of Zanesville, Ohio.

The first incident was on Nov. 21, at approximately 10 p.m. at Zane Landing Park.

Zanesville Police Chief Tony Coury, said a 39-year-old male victim allowed Beach to enter his vehicle, and he then drove away from the park with Beach in his vehicle.

Coury said Beach falsely identified himself as a Zanesville police officer and told the victim he was under arrest, where he ordered the victim to drive to his residence.

“He did make some lewd comments and sexual advances at that time,” said Coury.

At the residence, the victim and his wife were held hostage and robbed of medication and money. Beach then forced the victim to drive him to an undisclosed location where he exited the vehicle.

On Nov. 22, at approximately 7:25 p.m. he approached a 56-year-old male victim at the Zane Landing Park and asked him for money.

“While having this conversation he produced a hand gun at that time. The victim refused to give him anything and he was struck with the hand gun,” said Coury.

Beach then took the victims wallet and fled the scene.

“We are asking that all citizens be familiar with your surroundings, whether you’re in a park, whether you’re shopping,” said Coury. “Pay attention to your surroundings and be very leary of people approaching you asking you for money.”

Coury said Beach is being held in the Zanesville City Jail under 11 felony counts.

“There may be more victims out there than this that are afraid to report it but right now with him incarcerated we’re asking anybody that may have been a suspect or a victim to come forward and identify yourselves,” said Coury.

Anyone with more information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Zanesville Police Department at (740)-455-0700.