After charging a manager of a tobacco shop with the murder of a youngster who was shot during an attempted robbery in the Cincinnati region earlier this year, an Ohio county prosecutor issued a warning to burglars, telling them to “expect to be shot” while attacking retail establishments.
In connection with the shooting on October 20, Tony Thacker, the manager of the Delhi Township-based VIP Smoke Shop, was charged on Tuesday by Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers, according to a press release from the prosecutor’s office. Eight counts were brought against him by a grand jury; these included five counts of felonious assault, and two counts of possessing weapons while disabled and tampering with evidence. The felony juvenile adjudication prevented him from being the owner of a handgun.
Living in the rear of the smoke shop, Thacker, 29, is reported to have shot at several individuals who broke into the business by hurling rocks through the windows on October 20 after he emerged from the area shortly after one in the morning. According to the news release, he fired several rounds at the would-be thieves, one of them, 16-year-old Travis Johnson, was fatally injured while attempting to escape the scene in a stolen car.
“There is simply no justification for shooting at someone as they are running away,” Powers said. “However, I want to make clear — these retail thefts will not be tolerated. If you try to rob a store, you should expect to be shot.”
Following that, according to the prosecutor’s office, Thacker raced to the front of the store and kept shooting through the front door at the other defendants, which included Amontae Carter, 19, who was sitting in the rear of one of the stolen cars.
“People have the right to stand their ground and protect themselves if somebody breaks into your home or your business,” Delhi Township Police Chief Jeff Braun told Fox19 Now. “But as far as when somebody is fleeing away from you — in this case driving away — it’s a little hard to say that you’re obviously protecting yourself on the driving away.”
Carter was charged by the prosecutor’s office on two charges of murder, two counts of burglary, and one count of having illegal instruments in his possession. If found guilty of all charges, he may get a maximum term of life in prison with the possibility of release after 15 years.
The prosecutor’s office stated that after the tumultuous scene, Thacker and his brother Malachi, 21, tried to take down the security system of the store and take out shot casings.
Two counts of tampering with evidence were brought against the younger Thacker.
Two individuals called 911 to report the incident, according to the local media. The initial caller stated that she heard a woman screaming and reported a disturbance. The other caller introduced himself as the proprietor of the store.
“Do you know who shot him?” the 911 operator asked.
“My worker,” the caller said. “He was protecting himself, the guy broke in the store.”
Following an anonymous tip, authorities detained three youngsters a few days after the incident: a 16-year-old girl and two guys, ages 15 and 17, respectively.
All three are accused of murder and burglary, even though it is said that none of them had anything to do with Johnson’s passing. The 17-year-old and the 16-year-old are also accused of stealing items.
The three young suspects, according to the prosecution, had earlier charges and were awaiting release from juvenile court.
Johnson’s 20-year-old brother Isiah was allegedly charged with felonious assault after shooting a 20-year-old lady during his sibling’s memorial service.
Fox News Digital contacted Powers’ office, but they didn’t hear back right away.