Authorities reported that a 70-year-old man shot his 40-year-old son in self-defense during an altercation at their residence on Dover-Zoar Rd. N.E. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 3, prompted a response from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell, the father reported to 911 operators that his son had attacked him, leading to the use of a firearm in self-defense. Upon arrival, deputies and detectives discovered that the son had instigated a physical confrontation at his father’s neighboring residence.
The 70-year-old father recounted being assaulted by his son, resulting in the use of a firearm to defend himself. The son sustained a leg injury from the incident and was treated and released from a Canton hospital. He was then taken into custody by deputies and transported to the Tuscarawas County jail on charges of assault and domestic violence.
Preliminary evidence at the scene supported the father’s account of the altercation, according to Sheriff Campbell.
The father received treatment for minor injuries at the scene and remained at home. Matthew R. McKenzie, the 40-year-old son, is currently detained in the Tuscarawas County jail and is scheduled to appear for arraignment at the New Philadelphia Municipal Court on January 4th.
The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, including deputies, detectives, and evidence technicians, processed the scene.