Delhi Township, Ohio - The Hamilton County Prosecutor, Melissa Powers, announced on Tuesday that the store manager of Delhi Township's VIP Smoke Shop has been indicted on multiple charges in connection with an October 2023 break-in and deadly shooting that took place at the vape shop. Alongside the indictment of the store manager, a fourth suspect has also been arrested in relation to the incident.

On October 20, a tragic incident unfolded when an employee at VIP Smoke Shop shot and killed 16-year-old Travis Johnson, one of multiple alleged burglars involved in the break-in. The events that transpired have since led to criminal charges being brought against individuals connected to the incident.

Prosecutor Powers announced that 29-year-old Tony Thacker, the store manager, has been indicted on five counts of felonious assault, one count of tampering with evidence, and two counts of having weapons under disability. Additionally, Tony Thacker's 21-year-old brother, Malachi Thacker, has been indicted on two counts of tampering with evidence.

In a significant development, 19-year-old Amontae Carter has also been indicted as the fourth person arrested in connection with the break-in. Carter was taken into custody on December 14 and has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of burglary, and one count of possession of criminal tools. If convicted on all charges, Carter could face life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 15 years.

The investigation revealed that Carter and multiple other individuals arrived at VIP Smoke Shop after 1 a.m. on October 20. In an attempt to gain entry, Carter and his accomplices reportedly threw rocks through the store windows. However, Tony Thacker, who resided in the back of the store, heard the commotion and came to the front of the store armed with a firearm. Upon encountering Carter and Johnson, Thacker fired multiple shots, tragically resulting in the death of Travis Johnson.

As the remaining suspects fled the scene in stolen vehicles, Tony Thacker continued to shoot, even striking Carter as he was seated in the back of one of the cars. Furthermore, Tony Thacker and Malachi Thacker allegedly attempted to disable the store's security system and remove all shell casings from the crime scene.

The aftermath of the tragic incident saw two individuals calling 911. The first caller reported a disturbance and mentioned hearing a woman's scream. The second caller, who identified himself as the shop's owner, confirmed that the worker shot the intruder, expressing it as an act of self-defense.

Apart from Amontae Carter and the deceased Travis Johnson, three teenagers, aged 15, 16, and 17, were arrested shortly after the break-in and shooting following an anonymous tip received by the police. Although these teens did not directly cause Johnson's death, they are facing charges of murder and burglary. The 15-year-old male is also facing an auto theft charge, while the 16-year-old female and 17-year-old male face charges of receiving stolen property. The three individuals are currently awaiting bind over from juvenile court.

The tragic events that unfolded have had far-reaching consequences beyond the initial incident. In the aftermath of his brother's death, Isaiah Johnson, 20, allegedly shot a woman at a vigil held in memory of Travis Johnson. Isaiah Johnson has since been charged with felonious assault.

During the announcement, Prosecutor Powers emphasized that there is no justification for shooting at someone as they are running away. However, she underscored that retail thefts will not be tolerated, stating unequivocally that those who attempt to rob a store should expect to face the consequences, which may include the use of force.

As the case proceeds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the full extent of the events that took place on that fateful October night in Delhi Township's VIP Smoke Shop.