Man released from jail after grandson dies

8/22/2009

A 68-year-old man charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly shot his grandson in the leg during an argument in their South Toledo home was released on his own recognizance Friday shortly after the victim died.

Charles Loving was arrested late Thursday and accused of shooting his grandson with a shotgun in their home, Toledo police said.

An autopsy is to be performed Saturday, said Dr. Diane Barnett, deputy Lucas County coroner.

Antwan Loving, 24, of 1114 Wenz Rd. was pronounced dead at 8:53 a.m. Friday at the University of Toledo Medical Center, formerly the Medical College of Ohio.

Officers responding to a report of a man shot arrived about 9:50 p.m. and found the victim with a gunshot wound to the leg, lying on the kitchen floor, police said.

The elder Mr. Loving was arrested, charged with aggravated assault, and booked into the Lucas County jail. He was released from Toledo Municipal Court after being arraigned, police said.

Police Sgt. Phil Toney said Antwan Loving had been drinking and was being loud with his friends in the basement of the house. His aunt, Felicia Loving, and his grandfather went to the basement, possibly to tell Antwan to quiet down. An argument ensued.

The younger Mr. Loving allegedly threatened his aunt and punched his grandfather.

The younger man eventually left, but then returned a short time later.

The elder Mr. Loving went upstairs, got his shotgun, and confronted his grandson, trying to make him leave, police said.

That is when the younger Mr. Loving lunged at his grandfather, at which time the 12-gauge shotgun went off, striking the victim in the upper leg, Sergeant Toney said.

The shotgun was recovered, according to the police report.

"We don't see this kind of thing very often," the sergeant said.

"They are good neighbors," said Tina Bell, who lives near the Loving family. "I just think it was a terrible, terrible accident. [The elder] Mr. Loving, he really cares deeply for his family."

Mr. Loving is a mechanic, who still works from time to time, she said.

"He helps me with my car and he doesn't charge much," Ms. Bell said.

Sergeant Toney said the victim had lived with his grandfather "for a while."

Contact Mike Sigov at:

sigov@theblade.com

or 419-724-6089.