In two separate incidents on February 17, 2025, law enforcement in Ohio was involved in shootings—one in Akron and one in Ross County.
Akron Officer-Involved Shooting:
At approximately 8:45 AM Monday, Akron police responded to a call regarding a stolen vehicle—a white Toyota Camry. Officers were able to locate the vehicle near Kenmore Blvd and Lakeshore Blvd, where they attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, as officers initiated the stop, the driver fired upon the officers. In response, the officers returned fire, striking the driver at least once.
Despite efforts to administer emergency first aid until EMS arrived, the male driver, believed to be in his 30s, succumbed to his injuries. His identity is currently withheld pending positive identification and family notification.
Three officers, whose years of service range from nine to 30 years, have been placed on paid administrative leave, per department procedure. The Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) is handling the investigation, which will be submitted to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for review before being presented to the Summit County Grand Jury. The Akron Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will conduct a separate internal investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and no further details are available at this time.
Ross County Officer-Involved Shooting:
The second incident occurred on the evening of February 17 in Ross County. Just before 5:00 PM, the Ross County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active burglary report on Pleasant Valley Road, where the suspect was allegedly armed with a firearm. Deputies en route to the scene encountered a man near State Route 104, close to the Chillicothe Baptist Church. The individual matched the suspect’s description, and it is believed that he brandished a firearm toward a deputy.
In response, a deputy discharged their weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center but was later pronounced dead. The identity of the suspect has not been released, and the investigation is being handled by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (B.C.I.).
Both incidents are under investigation, and authorities are reviewing the details surrounding each shooting. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
