Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
LORAIN -- Just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, police were sent to the 1900 block of E. 40th Street on a call of "shots fired."
As the officers drove to the area, a resident of 1921 E. 40th St. called to say that he had shot a person who had assaulted him during an attempted home invasion.
Officers arrived at the home and met with the resident of 1921 E. 40th St., Alejandro Melendez.
Melendez said that, after returning from a trip abroad, he entered his home and was assaulted by an unknown man near his front door. The assault continued inside of the home and Melendez was able to access a firearm that was kept near the front door, and shot the man several times in self defense.
Melendez cooperated with police throughout the investigation and independent witness statements corroborated Melendez's version of events.
The man who was shot was located inside of 1921 E. 40th St., and had in his possession items that indicated that he had been at this residence to commit a home invasion/robbery.
The man was taken to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
After several hours, police were able to identify the dead man as Glenn Smith Jr., 34,of Elyria.
No charges have been filed against Melendez at this time, as it appears he shot Smith as a matter of self defense, however the investigation, when completed will be forwarded to the Lorain County Prosecutor for review.
Anyone having additional information regarding this matter please contact Det. Chris Kovach at the Lorain Police Department (440)-204-2105, ext. 2168.