Medina man sentenced to minimum three years after entering closed Jimmy John's

MEDINA — A Medina man was sentenced to a minimum of three years on Monday after reportedly entering a closed business with a handgun. Nicholas Matthew Sparrow, 30, of Medina, was sentenced by Medina County Common Pleas Judge Bill Hutson on one count of burglary and one count of escape. The burglary charge included two specifications: a one-year firearm specification and a specification for forfeiture of a weapon. Sparrow was sentenced to two years for the burglary count and escape count, which will be served concurrently. Before the two years begin, Sparrow will serve a year for the firearm specification. Hutson said Sparrow will receive credit for 139 days served, which will be deducted from his two-year sentence. Sparrow could be held for an additional year on the two-year sentencing, Hutson said, noting that it would depend on his conduct in prison. During Monday's sentencing, several people talked about Sparrow's case and its effects. On May 7, Sparrow allegedly entered Jimmy John's, 240 N. Court St., through the back door early in the morning. The employee on duty reported to the Medina Police Department that Sparrow brandished the weapon and made paranoid statements, claiming individuals were trying to kill him. Sparrow ordered the employee to go behind the counter before fleeing. The Medina Police Department then received calls from residents in the area, reporting that someone had run through their backyards with a gun. Sparrow was then found by Medina Police on Bishop Street, hiding behind a garage. Medina Police previously stated that Sparrow was found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun. He was taken into custody. Sparrow attempted to escape custody in the Medina Police Department's parking lot, police said, but was quickly apprehended. Sparrow was then transferred to the Medina County Jail. Sparrow's attorney, Vincent Pacetti, said Sparrow took responsibility for the case the first time Pacetti met him at Medina County Jail. He also told Pacetti that he wanted help with his drug issues. Pacetti said the case stems from Sparrow's methamphetamine addiction, stating that at that time, he was using it almost daily. "As soon as I get released from prison, whenever that may be, I'm going straight into rehab," Sparrow said. "I'm going to take full advantage of every opportunity I can get while I'm in prison." According to Pacetti, the victim in the case — the Jimmy John's employee — denied any injuries or treatment, any property loss or damage, any change in personal welfare, or psychological impact because of this offense. The Jimmy John's employee also did not have an opinion on the sentencing length or type. During Monday's hearing, Sparrow apologized to the Medina community for his reckless behavior on May 7. "I never intended to steal, scare or hurt anybody," he said. "I understand that because of my recklessness, I very well could have hurt someone or got myself hurt as well." After Sparrow talked, his mother spoke briefly, asking Hutson for the minimum sentence. "As much as I hate that we are all here today and the reasons we're here, I feel like it has saved my son's life," Sharon Sparrow said. Contact reporter Sara Crawford at (330) 721-4063 or scrawford@medina-gazette.com.