AKRON, Ohio — An Akron man confronted a 16-year-old boy and shot him multiple times early Tuesday morning after the teen allegedly broke into the man's residence, according to the Akron Police Department.
Akron police said officers were called to the scene in the 700 block of Johnston Street just before 7:30 a.m. where first aid was given to the teen until EMS arrived. He was taken to Akron Children's Hospital in stable condition.
“According to the 74-year-old homeowner, the teen forced entry into his home,” police said. “At some point during the ordeal, the homeowner confronted the teen and discharged his firearm, striking him multiple times. The homeowner was uninjured during the incident.”
The 74-year-old Akron man, known to everyone as "Lurch" was half asleep watching television the morning after his birthday when he says an intruder knocked all the glass out of his front door and broke in.
"So I didn't actually see him come in, but I did when I hit the corner, but it took me a second to get my blanket," Lurch said.
Lurch says he stepped into the hall and saw the figure opening his basement door, so he fired. "And he rolled on the steps and started moving that way and I shot him again. And he lived," Lurch added.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and the circumstances “will be further evaluated to determine if or when charges might be applied."
"Most would agree that within reason, someone has a right to defend themselves, so in that someone broke into his house, in that he's confronted with an unknown person with an unknown motive, all those things will be taken into consideration," Lt. Michael Miller, Public Information Officer for Akron Police said.
In the meantime, Lurch says he's ready if this happens again.
"Nobody else better break in, it'll be a bigger gun this time," Lurch said.
Anybody with information is asked to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
No additional details were immediately available, but stay with 3News as we will update this story when more information is released.
MORE HEADLINES:
- 1 hospitalized in critical condition after Akron duplex fire
- Akron passes 2022 operating budget, details $772 million in investments: Where the money is being spent
- Trial begins for Euclid woman charged in 'Geauga's Child' murder case
- Northeast Ohio communities defend use of traffic cameras as debate continues in Statehouse
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on Feb. 23, 2022.