Assault suspect turns himself in
A Washington man wanted by state police for his role in a shooting outside a Canton Township bar early Thursday turned himself in Friday night while the suspect accused of firing the shots remained at large.
Eric William Johnson, 24, of 255 Duncan Ave., turned himself in to troopers about 7:50 p.m. at the state police barracks on Murtland Avenue. Johnson’s 20-year-old stepbrother, Tevin Rahmik Heyman, is wanted for shooting Robert Sutton, 55, and his 33-year-old son, Akili Sutton, outside the Cozy Corner bar, 22 Euclid Ave.
The younger Sutton was a patron at the bar about 1 a.m. while his father was working the door. Akili Sutton went outside and got into an argument with an unidentified man. Heyman and Johnson also were outside but not involved in that altercation.
Akili Sutton went back into the bar and came back out with his father. This time, Akili Sutton got involved in a physical altercation with the same unidentified man. As the two fought, Johnson came from behind and hit Akili Sutton in the side of the head, knocking him unconscious. Akili Sutton fell to the ground, hitting his head.
The elder Sutton then got into a physical confrontation with Johnson. As the two men fought, Heyman reportedly pulled out a .380-caliber gun and shot Robert Sutton in the legs. The elder Sutton fell to the ground. Heyman then shot Akili Sutton once in the face as he laid unconscious.
The incident was recorded on the bar’s security system. The two suspects were identified by the bar owner, patrons and Washington police, who have had numerous incidents with Johnson and Heyman.
Police said the younger Sutton, Johnson and Heyman all had a lifetime ban from the bar.
Heyman is charged with two counts of attempted homicide, simple assault and disorderly conduct, four counts of aggravated assault and one count reckless endangerment.
Johnson was arraigned before District Judge James Ellis on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment. He was placed in the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is tentatively set for June 17 before District Judge David Mark.
Anyone with information on Heyman’s whereabouts is asked to call state police at 724-223-5200.