Teen found delinquent in incident at Franklin Park Mall

Youth admits to inducing panic, carrying a weapon, participating in gang

3/25/2014
BLADE STAFF

Story updated at 2:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 to reflect the following correction: The youth suspected of the shooting shot a .45 caliber handgun.

The 15-year-old Toledo boy suspected of shooting a gun in a Franklin Park Mall parking lot admitted today to the charges filed against him.

The teen admitted in Lucas County juvenile court to inducing panic, participating in a criminal gang, and carrying a concealed weapon. Judge Connie Zemmelman found the youth delinquent and sentenced him to the Lucas County Youth Treatment Center.

The youth will have to be assessed by the center to make sure he can benefit from the treatment before he is admitted to the six-month lock-up facility.

The youth, a member of the Geer Gang Crips, shot a .45-caliber handgun — which he told the judge he purchased on the streets for $75 — at members of the Manor Boyz, a rival Bloods gang, on March 8 at about 9 p.m.

No injuries were reported but at least one vehicle was struck by a bullet, said Lori Olender, an assistant Lucas County prosecutor who oversees the juvenile division.

Ms. Olender said she could have filed a felonious assault charge with a gun specification, but did not because the youth agreed to admit to the charges against him.