Youngstown, Ohio

From Youngstown’s The Vindicator of October 30, 2005

Man shoots apparent attacker

An elderly man shot a man who jumped him from behind as he was entering his house on the South Side, police report.

The suspect is in critical condition at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Walter Swita, 83, told police he was entering his house at about 10:30 p.m. Friday after having parked his car across the street from the residence at 3003 South Ave.

He told police he has been parking across the street instead of around the back of his house since he was assaulted and robbed six weeks ago, the report said. He also told police he had been carrying a gun since that time.

The report said that as he unlocked his door and went in, the suspect grabbed him from behind. As Swita was falling to the floor, he took his gun from his pocket and shot his attacker once in the chest and once in the head, the report said.

A witness reported hearing two shots and seeing two men running across South Avenue to East Philadelphia.

When police got to Swita's house, they found him next to the phone where he'd called 911, and his attacker was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, the report said. Swita had a bump and a gash on his head and was taken to Beeghly Medical Center, where he was treated.

The 44-year-old suspect, who listed an East Philadelphia Avenue address, remained in critical condition late Saturday night, the hospital said.

From Youngstown’s WKBN.com of October 31, 2005

Youngstown Man Speaks Following Friday Shooting


An elderly Youngstown man says that his life changed forever Friday night. That's when he shot and killed an intruder at his South Avenue home.

“As a rule, I don't carry a gun. I don't want to shoot anyone,” said Youngstown resident Walter Swita.

But Friday night, that is exactly what Walter Swita did. As the 83 year old Youngstown man tells the story, blood from his alleged attacker still stains the carpet.

“I had a gun since World War II. I carry it only at night. From 8:30 to 10:30, I carry the gun,” Swita said.

Swida had been carrying a weapon and parking at a South Avenue business since he was beaten and robbed in the back yard of his home several weeks ago. As he crossed the street Friday night, the gun was ready.

“So I am walking and I see a guy hanging down there on the sidewalk and he starts moving fast,” Swita recalled. “I got one foot in the door and he shot up on my porch and grabbed me around the neck and I so I shot him.”

The man who fell to his carpet was 44 year old Benjamin Brooks, who lived a few blocks away. He did not survive.

For Swita, who has been here since his parents bought the house in the 1920's, the incident is life-changing. The World War II vet, who loved bowling and taking his sister to bingo, says he never felt he had to protect himself until now.

“You have to do what you have to do, you know,” Swita said.

But when leaving home is the next thing to do, he says that is not so easily done.

“When you are set in your ways, it is hard to move,” added Swita.

Youngstown's prosecutor Dionne Almasy says that she will not press charges against Swita. However, the county prosecutor still has the option.