American-style freedom? Ohio vape shop manager charged after fatally shooting a robber

Delaware Township, Ohio — Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced that the manager of the VIP Smoke Shop in Delaware Township has been charged with multiple offenses related to a break-in and fatal shooting incident that occurred at the vape shop in October 2023.

On October 20, an employee of the VIP Smoke Shop shot and killed 16-year-old Travis Johnson, who was one of several suspects involved in the burglary.

On Tuesday, Powers charged 29-year-old Tony Sackler with five counts of felony assault, one count of tampering with evidence, and two counts of carrying a weapon. In addition to Tony Sackler, his 21-year-old brother Malachi Sackler was also charged with two counts of tampering with evidence.

Powers also charged 19-year-old Amonta Carter, the fourth person arrested in connection with the break-in, with additional charges due to his role in the incident. Carter was arrested on December 14 and is facing two counts of murder, two counts of burglary, and one count of possession of criminal tools. If convicted on all charges, Carter faces a maximum of life in prison, eligible for parole after 15 years.

Powers stated that after 1 a.m. on October 20, Carter and other suspects arrived at the VIP Smoke Shop. Powers said that Carter and others threw rocks to break the store's windows to gain entry.

Manager Tony Sackler lives behind the shop, and when he heard the sound of breaking glass, he came to the front of the store with a gun. Powers said that in front of the store, he saw Carter and Johnson and fired multiple shots, fatally striking Johnson.

The remaining suspects fled the scene, and Powers said that Tony Sackler continued to fire at the front door of the store as the suspects drove away in a stolen vehicle. Tony Sackler shot Carter in the back seat of one of the vehicles.

Powers said that after the suspects fled, Tony Sackler and Malachi Sackler attempted to tamper with the store's security system and remove all shell casings from the crime scene. Powers noted that due to Tony Sackler's prior convictions as a teenager, he is not allowed to possess a firearm.

Regarding the shooting, two individuals called the police. The first caller reported a disturbance and said she heard a woman screaming. The second caller identified himself as the store owner.

The operator asked, "Do you know who fired the gun?"

The man replied, "My worker. He was protecting himself; that guy broke into the store."

In addition to Carter and the deceased Johnson, three teenagers, aged 15, 16, and 17, were arrested days after the burglary and shooting incident due to anonymous tips received by the police.

Although these three teenagers did not personally shoot Johnson, the two males and one female are facing charges of murder and burglary. The 15-year-old boy is also facing charges of auto theft, while the 16-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy are facing charges of receiving stolen property. Powers stated that the three teenagers are awaiting transfer from juvenile court.