Appling described the suspect as a black male with a light complexion, standing approximately 5’4” tall, weighing about 150lbs and wearing a mask. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland police are searching for suspects after store owner was shot in his left side Friday night in an attempted robbery.

Third district officers said the incident happened around 9:15pm Friday in the 7800 block of Woodland Avenue.

The victim, 36-year-old Melvin Appling of Cleveland, had finished locking up his store and was attempting to enter his vehicle. Appling reported that a sky blue minivan (no make or model info) pulled up and a male exited the passenger side and began firing at the him. 

Appling was hit one time in the left side just above his hip and his  vehicle (a 2011 Toyota Tundra) was hit multiple times. The shooter then got back into the minivan and fled the scene.

EMS transported Appling to MetroHealth Medical Center where he is recovering from his injury.

Appling described the suspect as a black male with a light complexion, standing approximately 5’4” tall, weighing about 150lbs and wearing a mask. 

Appling’s vehicle was process towed for evidence.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Third District Detective Bureau at 216-623-5318.