Ohio man sentenced for shooting man in the face because he didn't share his potato chips

AKRON, Ohio (TCN) -- A 43-year-old man will spend at least nine years behind bars for shooting a man in the face during a "potato chips dispute" almost exactly a year ago.

The Summit County Prosecutor's Office announced in a statement sent to "True Crime News" that a judge sentenced Melvin Wright to nine to 12 years in prison after Wright pleaded guilty in October to attempted murder with a firearm, having weapons while under disability, and illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises.

On Nov. 28, 2023, at 8:40 p.m., Wright went up to the victim at a nightclub and asked for some of his potato chips. The victim rejected Wright, so Wright followed him outside and shot him in the face. The victim transported himself to the hospital, where he underwent treatment for six days. He survived his injuries.

Upon his release, Wright will be required to annually register as a violent offender for the next 10 years.

Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich said, "Summit County is safer without Melvin Wright on our streets. Senseless violence has no place in Akron, and I am grateful that the survivor of this crime is continuing his courageous recovery. Thank you to my assistant prosecutors and the Akron and Metro Transit police departments for their work in holding Wright accountable."

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