AKRON, Ohio — A dispute over a bag of potato chips landed an Akron man a lengthy prison sentence on Monday.
Melvin Wright Jr., 43, was sentenced to 9-12 years in prison after he was found guilty of the following charges:
- Attempted murder with a firearm specification
- Having weapons while under disability
- Illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises
Wright's initial arrest stemmed from an incident that took place on November 28, 2023. Court documents say that Wright approached the victim at a nightclub at approximately 8:40 p.m. on that night and asked the victim if he could have some of his potato chips.
When the victim refused, Wright followed the victim to his car and shot him.
The victim was able to drive himself to a nearby hospital where he received medical care for six days. He survived his injuries.
“Summit County is safer without Melvin Wright on our streets,” said Prosecutor Kolkovich. “Senseless violence has no place in Akron, and I am grateful that the survivor of this crime is continuing his courageous recovery. Thank you to my assistant prosecutors and the Akron and Metro Transit police departments for their work in holding Wright accountable.”
Wright was designated a "violent offender" as part of his sentencing. When he is released from prison, he must annually register as a violent offender for 10 years.
