A 36-year-old Springfield man previously received information through social media that his stolen car might be at a residence in Trotwood, Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns said.
The man drove to Trotwood with two women and did surveillance outside the home. They then followed a resident, the 67-year-old man, when he left the home.
On U.S. 35 East near Liscum Drive, there was some type of disturbance and the Springfield man shot into the vehicle that left Trotwood, according to police.
“The driver of that vehicle was a 67-year-old man who had nothing to do with anything regarding the suspect’s stolen vehicle,” Johns said. “He was struck with the round and had some damage to his hand and face, but thankfully he did survive this incident.”
Dayton officers responded to the area and were able to locate the suspect vehicle with the help of a witness.
Three people, including the Springfield man, were taken into custody on state Route 4 near Stanley Avenue. The Springfield man was booked into the Montgomery County Jail for aggravated assault.
A handgun and a shotgun were recovered from the vehicle, Johns said.
The police major said it’s lucky no one was killed in the incident.
“I know we have an increase in stolen cars in Dayton and throughout the Miami Valley, but by all means make sure you call law enforcement and have them follow up on that information,” Johns said. “You can’t rely on social media being an accurate source.”
He added there were allegations the 67-year-old man’s son, who owned the vehicle that was shot, was being targeted.
“There is no evidence to indicate that,” Johns said. “It just appears to be an individual who came here from outside Dayton to do surveillance for a stolen vehicle and it just escalated from there.”
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