Akron – On June 28 Akron police department was involved in a officer-involved shooting that led to the death of a 25-year-old suspect. Today Akron police department will release body cam footage from the chase and shooting of the suspect.
According to Akron police department, at approximately 12:30 yesterday morning, Akron Police Officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at Thayer Ave and E. Tallmadge Ave. The operator of the vehicle refused to stop; as a result, a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The suspect vehicle entered Route 8 southbound as the officers gave chase. During the pursuit, officers reported a firearm being discharged from the suspect vehicle.
The pursuit continued for several minutes until the suspect vehicle slowed down near the intersection of E. Wilbeth Rd. and Clairmont St. While the vehicle was still moving, the suspect fled from the vehicle on foot. Officers engaged the suspect in a foot pursuit in order to apprehend him. The suspect ran northbound into a nearby parking lot. Actions by the suspect caused the officers to perceive he posed a deadly threat to them. In response to this threat, officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.
Officers immediately summonsed for EMS to as they began administering first aid until the arrival of paramedics. The suspect was pronounced deceased on scene. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy. The suspect’s name is being withheld pending positive identification and family notifications. Per departmental procedure, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.
Since then crowds have gathered and protest have occurred in the area of the downtown police department asking for answers to the shooting.
“People want and deserve answers, and they shall have them. BCI will conduct a complete, fair and expert investigation,” Yost said. “Body-worn camera footage is just one view of the whole picture – before drawing conclusions, the full review must take place, said Dave Yost Ohio Attorney General.
Yost noted that the investigative file will be made public at the conclusion of the case, a practice his office began last year. People who are interested can review the results of prior OICI investigations on the Attorney General’s website.
Akron Police department is expected to release the body cam footage on Sunday.
