Exclusive Interview with Fruitvale Suspected Shooter’s Father
12/14/09 - 05:06 PM
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Mesa County Sheriff’s Office named 20-year-old Joshua Anton as the suspect in the Fruitvale shooting that happened early Sunday morning. Police are still investigating and are not releasing much information.

Mark Anton wants justice and wants to clear his son’s name. “It’s unfortunate that this thing happened. But he did what he had to do to save lives,” said Anton. “Why is my son being held accountable for all of this that went wrong? If someone kicked in your door with five individuals and more behind and surrounded your house, how would you feel?”

Anton says his son actually lives next door to the house where the shooting took place and was hanging out at the house Saturday night. He says a local gang made threats and later busted through the door. Anton admits he shot them, but it was in self-defense. “He did it in defense of the home and the individuals inside. What else would you do? You’ve already had two [self-defense] shootings that were justified in this town and by other individuals. Why is my son being hung out to dry?” Anton asked.

Mark says Joshua has had an unfair investigation. He strategically shot the victims low on the body only defend the house and family, not to kill. “I’m curious, as a father, why these guys [in the gang] are allowed to kick in a door? Why aren’t they being prosecuted for fleeing the scene of a crime? My son didn’t flee the scene. My son waited there until police came,” Anton said.

Despite his son’s criminal background, Anton says Joshua is innocent. “How would you deal with it? Would you let them into your home or into a place where you’re staying with friends and kids and not defend it? These people came to do harm. They weren’t just helpless victims. They came to do harm,” Anton said.

Joshua Anton is in custody and faces numerous assault charges. Police say the victims are still in the hospital, but won’t reveal their names or conditions. Police are still investigating the case and will not say if they are considering it self-defense.

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