TPD investigating shooting death of Toledo teen as an accident

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A juvenile male was pronounced dead Friday after a shooting on Shasta Drive.

According to The Toledo Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 540 block of Shasta Drive on Feb. 3. Upon arrival, officers found 15-year-old Donald Hogan suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to UTMC where he later died.

Family and friends describe Donald as energetic and athletic. His grandmother said the shooting inside the house was an accident and a relative was holding the gun.

“His bullets got stuck in the gun, and he trying to get the bullet out,” said Hogan’s grandmother. “He couldn’t get the bullet out, and he didn’t know the gun was going to go off. My grandson Donald was in the way. That’s how he got killed.”

At this time, TPD has not filed any charges in the case.

“What we’ve come to find out is the victim, Donald Hogan, who was a juvenile, was inside a location with another known individual to himself and a firearm was being handled unsafely and improperly,” said TPD. “That firearm went off and unfortunately struck Donald in the chest.”

Hogan was a student as TPS who attended the LEAP program, which is a standalone school for kids with behavior issues. Hogan’s mentor, Brandon McNeil, says Hogan had a kind heart.

“He always had the right thing to say at the right moment,” said McNeil. “If you were having an off day, feeling down about something, Donald would always pop around the corner, even try to scare you or have something right to say.”

Hogan’s grandmother said he was doing good in school and she was proud of her grandson’s accomplishments. She also said Hogan enjoyed playing football.

“He said when I ever go finish playing football, I know I’m going to make a lot of money,” said Hogan’s grandmother. “I’m going to buy everybody a house.”

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