TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – An attempted shooting inside a Toledo restaurant was thwarted by patrons of the establishment, who took down the alleged gunman Friday, according to the Toledo Police Department.
TPD officers booked Matthew Exton, 42, into the Lucas Co. Corrections Center early Saturday morning. Police say he attempted to shoot a person inside a restaurant on South Huron Street.
TPD records say Exton was “attempting to murder the victim by walking into a restaurant with a loaded firearm and pointing it at the victim and attempting to fire the weapon.”
Police say his weapon failed to discharge, seemingly because the safety was still on. As the gunman attempted to manipulate the safety, officers say patrons inside tackled him to the ground. TPD then detained Exton.
Staff at Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar told police that Exton had been served two alcoholic beverages while inside.
He’s awaiting arraignment inside Lucas Co. Jail on multiple charges: Felonious Assault (F2), Attempt to Commit an Offense (F2), Inducing Panic (F4), and Using Weapons While Intoxicated (M1).
The owners of the restaurant issued the following statement:
We are deeply grateful for the swift and courageous actions taken by our team, our patrons, and the Toledo Police Department in response to an isolated domestic incident which occurred at one of our establishments on Friday evening. Thanks to their quick intervention, the situation was resolved.
The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are always our highest priority.
We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they continue their investigation.
Out of respect for the individuals involved and the ongoing legal process, we will not be commenting further at this time.
Matthew Exton(wtvg)
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