An Ohio man was handed a prison sentence this week for an unthinkable crime he committed exactly one year ago. Authorities say the incident stemmed from a dispute over a bag of potato chips. Seriously.
The Summit Prosecutor’s Office says back on November 28, 2023, 43-year-old Melvin Wright Jr. was at the nightclub Lusty’s Adventure on Stanton Street when he caught the munchies. He happened to run into someone who could solve his problem: Jacob Hicks, who was enjoying a bag of potato chips in the peace of his own vehicle. Authorities say Wright proceeded to ask Hicks to share some with him.
Now, sharing food with strangers can be a little sus. So, as you can expect, prosecutors said Hicks declined Wright’s request. However, instead of walking away and finding his own dag on bag of chips as a typical person would do, police say Wright didn’t take the rejection so well.
Instead, Wright pulled out a handgun and shot Hicks in the face, police said. Hicks managed to drive himself to Akron City Hospital where officers responded to and got the full story, according to the police report. Cleveland 19 News reported Hicks underwent six days of treatment recovering from his injuries.
Wright pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder, having weapons while under disability and illegal possession of a firearm, the report says. He was sentenced Monday to serve between nine and 12 years in prison and think about whether a bag of Lays was worth it. Oh, and the report says he has to register as a violent offender for 10 years upon release.
“Summit County is safer without Melvin Wright on our streets,” said Prosecutor Kolkovich, via WOIO. “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.”