Teenager critically injured in shooting

7/2/2003

A 17-year-old boy was hurt seriously yesterday after he was shot several times in the chest in retaliation for a broken car window, Toledo police said.

Four people were charged in connection with the shooting at 25 Garfield Place in East Toledo, where the victim was staying.

John Mattoni was in critical condition last night in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center after he was shot about 12:15 a.m.

Rafael Garcia, 18, of 1126 East Bancroft St. was charged with one count of felonious assault. Daniel Rogers, 18, of 2261 Lehman Ave. was charged with one count of complicity to commit felonious assault. A West Toledo boy and an East Toledo boy, both 16, were charged with one count of delinquency in connection with complicity to commit felonious assault.

Investigators said while Mr. Garcia fired the shots - twice according to court records - the other suspects encouraged him to shoot the victim.

The shooting stemmed from an argument about 10:30 p.m. Monday between the victim and Mr. Rogers at 540 St. Louis St. The argument was about a broken car window on Mr. Rogers' vehicle. Mr. Rogers believed the victim broke the window, police Lt. Rick Reed said.

The suspects later went to the Garfield residence twice. Words were exchanged the first time. The second time, the shooting occurred in the street and the suspects ran.

About three hours later, investigators found the suspects at the St. Louis address. A 22-caliber revolver, believed to be the weapon used, was found under a car. Bullets were found in Mr. Garcia's pocket, Lieutenant Reed said.

He said Mr. Garcia admitted firing the shots, but contended the victim had a knife. Some knives were found at the scene, the lieutenant said.

The victim's family yesterday declined a request to be interviewed, a hospital spokesman said.

Mr. Garcia and Mr. Rogers were being held in the Lucas County jail pending arraignments today in Toledo Municipal Court. The juvenile suspects were being held in the Lucas County Juvenile Detention Center pending detention hearings today in Lucas County Juvenile Court.