Police are searching for one of the suspects in Wednesday’s burglary after he was released from the hospital before police obtained their arrest warrants.
Wednesday afternoon, Howard Gross and Tony Gross were officially charged with complicity and first-degree burglary, respectively, after they were shot outside 414 E. Broadway earlier that morning.
Winchester Police Capt. James Hall said Tony Gross is still in the University of Kentucky Medical Center recovering from his gunshot wound to the leg, while Howard Gross Jr. was released before police made contact with him at the hospital. Howard Gross was shot in the arm, police said.
Police believe that Tony Gross actually entered the residence around 4:45 a.m. Wednesday while Howard Gross waited outside in the vehicle. No one entered the living space of the home, Hall said, but they could have gotten in through the garage.
“We believe Tony Gross entered the garage of the residence and was actively removing property when he was confronted by the resident,” Hall said.
They exchanged words outside, Hall said, and the resident fired a 9mm handgun several times, striking both men and damaging their pickup truck.
“Tony Gross made motions toward the vehicle like he was about to arm himself,” Hall said. The resident told police he believed the man was armed and fired.
Neither Gross had any weapons on them at the scene, Hall said. Officers searched the truck Wednesday, but Hall did not know if there were any weapons inside.
Hall said the Grosses fled the scene in the truck and went to an acquaintance’s home on Blair Avenue, which is where they were found by the police. Both were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds, one in the arm and one in the leg, Hall said.
So far, police have not identified the shooter. He has not been charged, but the incident will be reviewed by the grand jury.
“It appears to be self defense, but it will have to go to before the grand jury for a final ruling,” Hall said.
Contact Fred Petke at fpetke@winchestersun.com.
