A car chase turned foot pursuit has left a man dead and officers on paid administrative leave.
Akron Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at Thayer Ave and E. Tallmadge Ave. at 12:30 a.m. Monday morning. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop for officer, causing a vehicle pursuit.
The suspect vehicle entered Route 8 southbound as officers continued to chase him. Officers said a firearm was discharged from the suspect vehicle during the pursuit.
The suspect fled the vehicle on foot near the intersection E. Wilbeth Rd. and Clairmont St. Officer continued the pursuit with the suspect on foot.
Police Capt. David Laughlin said the suspect ran northbound into a nearby parking lot. Police said “actions by the suspect caused the officers to perceive he posed a deadly threat to them.” Officers discharged their firearms, shooting the suspect.
Officers immediately summonsed for EMS as they began administering first aid until the arrival of paramedics, according to Capt. Laughlin. 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.
The initial investigation will be conducted by members of the Akron Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. At the completion of the investigation, the case will be handed over to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for further review before being presented to the Summit County Grand Jury for evaluation.