By Matt Fredmonsky
Record-Courier staff writer
A Rootstown man remains in critical condition and could be paralyzed following an attack and robbery at his Tallmadge Road home last week.
Authorities identified Richard Lowther, 68, of 2954 Tallmadge Road, as the man whom four people are accused of beating at his home Thursday and robbing him of a coin collection.
Portage County Sheriff David Doak released Lowther’s name Tuesday. Lowther’s identification came one day after separate, $350,000 bonds were set for the four people accused of luring him out of his home and attacking him.
Doak said his department is maintaining contact with Lowther’s son, who indicated to authorities Lowther was paralyzed from the chest down as a result of his injuries sustained early Thursday morning.
Portage County Sheriff’s Lt. Greg Johnson said Lowther’s son told investigators he is in critical condition and on a ventilator at Akron City Hospital.
“He said his dad has stabilized and they’re hoping he’s going to improve,” Johnson said.
Authorities believe Jodi Fetty, 27, of 3647 McClintocksburg Road, Diamond, knocked on Lowther’s door at 2:30 a.m. Thursday claiming she had car trouble. She asked to use his phone. Lowther lives alone.
While she used the phone, Jonathan Dukes, 23, of 3865 Blake Ave., Ravenna, and Cortez M. Oliver, 20, of Fairlawn, appeared on Lowther’s porch. He ventured outside to see who the men were and they attacked him, according to police.
The attackers then entered Lowther’s home and took a collection of state commemorative quarters before fleeing in a car driven by Dukes’ brother, 21-year-old Darrell Dukes of 3075 S.R. 59, Ravenna.
All four people charged in the burglary were arraigned Monday on aggravated burglary charges, all of which are first-degree felonies. Authorities expect additional charges will be filed after the case is presented to a Portage County grand jury Thursday.
The suspects were arrested when they attempted to turn in 740 of the commemorative quarters — a total $185 — at the Ravenna Giant Eagle store.
Johnson said the burglars may have gotten more than the 740 quarters they attempted to cash in.
“This elderly gentleman is now in the hospital, possibly paralyzed, for 740 quarters,” Johnson said.