Cincinnati, Ohio – An Ohio county prosecutor issued a stern warning to potential thieves, stating that they should “expect to be shot” if they target retail stores. This warning comes after indicting a smoke shop manager in connection to the fatal shooting of a teenager during an attempted robbery earlier this year.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers filed charges against Tony Thacker, the manager of VIP Smoke Shop in Delhi Township. Thacker, 29, was indicted on five felonious assault charges, tampering with evidence, and two counts of having weapons under disability. It is alleged that he shot at a group of suspects who broke into the store, resulting in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Travis Johnson.
According to the prosecutor’s office, it is reported that Thacker emerged from the shop with a firearm and fired at the suspects who had broken in by throwing rocks through the windows. The prosecution also accused Thacker and his 21-year-old brother Malachi of attempting to disable the store’s security system and remove shell casings after the incident.
Moreover, Thacker’s younger brother, Malachi, was indicted for two counts of tampering with evidence.
The prosecutor’s office also indicted a 19-year-old man, Amontae Carter, for two counts of murder, two counts of burglary, and one count of possession of criminal tools. Additionally, three teenagers were arrested days after the incident, facing charges of murder, burglary, and stolen property, although they were reportedly not involved in Johnson’s death.
Despite the chaos, the prosecutor’s office highlights that there is no justification for shooting at someone as they are running away. However, the warning still stands – in the face of retail theft, individuals should expect consequences. This case serves as a reminder of the legal and moral implications of using deadly force in the course of protecting property.