Messer previously received information through social media that his stolen car might be at a home in Trotwood, Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns said.
He drove to Trotwood with two women and did surveillance outside. When a 67-year-old man left the home, they followed him.
On U.S. 35 East near Liscum Drive, there was a disturbance and Messer 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.”
The man told investigators he was struck by projectiles, according to court records. Police said his injuries were non-life-threatening.
A witness reportedly rammed Messer’s vehicle to try and thwart his efforts to shoot the 67-year-old man.
“(The witness) said he followed the suspect vehicle until police stopped it,” an affidavit read.
Three people, including Messer, were taken into custody on state Route 4 near Stanley Avenue.
A handgun and 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.”
Messer is being held in the Montgomery County Jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in municipal court Thursday afternoon.
About the Author