NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Authorities have arrested a 77-year-old Plain Township man who allegedly fired shots into the front door of a local Chinese restaurant, claiming that the food he purchased there made him sick.
According to the North Canton Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Friday, August 23, at Lucky Star Express, located at 1973 E. Maple St. in the Washington Square shopping center.
Police say the suspect, whose name has not yet been released, reportedly returned to the restaurant late Friday evening, pulled out a firearm, and discharged two rounds into the front entrance of the business. One bullet struck just below the door’s locking mechanism, while the other landed just inches above it. Fortunately, the restaurant was closed at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Investigators believe the motive behind the shooting stems from the suspect’s claim that he had suffered food poisoning after eating at the establishment earlier in the day.
“This was a highly dangerous act that could have easily resulted in serious injury or death,” said North Canton Police Chief Doug Bacon. “We are thankful that no one was inside the restaurant when this happened and that our officers were able to respond swiftly to take the suspect into custody without incident.”
The man was arrested shortly after the shooting and is facing multiple charges, including felonious assault, improper discharge of a firearm into a habitation or school safety zone, and criminal damaging. He is currently being held in the Stark County Jail pending arraignment.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to determine whether there were any prior disputes between the suspect and the restaurant. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been called in to assist with evidence processing.
Community members expressed shock over the incident, noting that Lucky Star Express is a longstanding business in the area. “This is just unbelievable,” said a neighboring shop owner. “We’ve never had anything like this happen around here.”
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact the North Canton Police Department at (330) 499-5911.
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