Hamilton County, Ohio, prosecutor Melissa Powers was forced to wade into the issue of self-defense during robberies after she charged a smoke shop manager who allegedly shot and killed a 16-year-old boy after he tried to rob the store.
The store’s manager, 29-year-old Tony Thacker, shot the would-be robber as he ran out of the store, prompting prosecutors to file charges. But her comments also came with a stern warning to looters.
“There is simply no justification for shooting someone while they are running away,” she said in a BBC statement NYPost and the Cincinnati Enquirer. “However, I want to make it absolutely clear: these shoplifting incidents will not be tolerated. If you try to rob a store, you can expect to be shot.”
Thacker was in the store when numerous people threw rocks through the front window to get in, the report said. Thacker lived in the back of the business and when he went to investigate, he found a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old.
Thacker was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous crime he committed as a child. Nevertheless, he shot the 16-year-old and continued shooting at the other suspects before they attempted to leave the scene in stolen vehicles.
Prosecutor Melissa Powers
The manager then reportedly tried to disable the store’s alarm and hide the shell casings. says the report. He was indicted on charges of assault, tampering with evidence and illegal possession of a firearm, and his brother, who assisted in the attempted cover-up, was charged with tampering with evidence.
The 19-year-old faces life in prison and is charged with murder, burglary and possession of criminal tools. Three other suspects were also arrested, the report said. They are also charged with murder and burglary.
Prosecutor Melissa Powers
The manager then reportedly tried to disable the store’s alarm and hide the shell casings. says the report. He was indicted on charges of assault, tampering with evidence and illegal possession of a firearm, and his brother, who assisted in the attempted cover-up, was charged with tampering with evidence.
The 19-year-old faces life in prison and is charged with murder, burglary and possession of criminal tools. Three other suspects were also arrested, the report said. They are also charged with murder and burglary.
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