Dec. 11 – A tip on social media about a stolen vehicle allegedly led a Springfield man to spy on a Trotwood home before shooting into the vehicle of a man unrelated to the theft, police said Dayton.
A 67-year-old man who was shot suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and drove himself to a local hospital for treatment.
A 36-year-old Springfield man received information via social media that his stolen car may be at a home in Trotwood, Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns said.
The man drove to Trotwood with two women and stood guard outside the house. They then followed a resident, the 67-year-old man, who left the home in his son’s car.
There was some disturbance on US 35 East near Liscum Drive and police say the Springfield man shot into the vehicle he had been following from Trotwood.
“The driver of that vehicle was a 67-year-old male who was not involved in anything related to the suspect’s stolen vehicle,” Johns said. “He was hit by the bullet and had some damage to his hand and face, but luckily he survived the incident.”
Dayton officers responded to the scene and, with the help of a witness, were able to locate the suspect vehicle.
Three people, including the Springfield man, were taken into custody on State Route 4 near Stanley Avenue in Dayton. The Springfield man was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a preliminary charge of aggravated assault.
A handgun and a shotgun were recovered from the vehicle, Johns said.
The police major said it was fortunate no one was killed.
“I know we have an increase in stolen cars in Dayton and throughout the Miami Valley, but at least make sure you call the police and have them follow up on that information,” Johns said. “You can’t rely on social media to be an accurate source.”
Johns said there were also allegations that the son of the 67-year-old man, who owned the vehicle shot, was targeted.
“There is no evidence to suggest that,” Johns said. “It appears it was an individual who came here from outside of Dayton to monitor a stolen vehicle, and it just escalated from there.”
