Self-defense cases are never clear-cut. In the valley - both a shop owner and homeowner shot a suspect when they felt their lives were in danger....both citing self-defense. It was fear that led the owner at Oven Fresh Pizza to take the law into his own hands. Youngstown Police Chief Richard Lewis says, "He saw there was an object in his hand and he defended himself."
The question now: did he have the right? According to Assistant County Prosecutor Jay Macejko - there are three elements of Self-Defense.
- One -- the person doesn't provoke the event.
- Two -- they must try to retreat.
- Three -- the victim must believe they are in danger of death or bodily harm.
But, Assistant Mahoning County Prosecutor Jay Macejko says don't think you can pull a gun just because you feel threatened. "If somebody attacks you with their hands, you couldn't bring a gun out. However, if you saw a gun on a person, you could use deadly force."
Two weeks ago: LeShawn May was shot and killed by a homeowner on the city's Southside - that investigation continues - with potential charges against the homeowner. But despite the risk -- Business-people like Petra Food stores owner Louis Robinson say, with their safety at stake they're willing to take the risk of using self-defense as a defense. "Did he act in a reasonable manner under the circumstances? Did he believe his life was in danger...that's up to 12-people."
Neither the owner of Oven Fresh nor the Southside homeowner were charged with anything. As for robbery suspect - 24 year old Isreal Correa. He is still hospitalized at St. E's - and will be charged with aggravated robbery. But police say Isreal Correa is not his real name - and they are trying to find out who he is. Detectives say Correa tried to escape from the hospital by tying sheets together and breaking a window in his room.
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