A male suspect is dead following an officer-involved shooting late Thanksgiving night, the Akron Police Department confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:01 p.m. Thursday near East Avenue and Vernon Odom Boulevard, where two officers were parked in a marked cruiser working on a report from a prior unrelated call.
According to police, the officers heard gunfire nearby and exited their vehicle to investigate. Shortly after, they encountered a man armed with a loaded firearm. One officer, a nearly five-year veteran of the department, discharged his weapon, striking the suspect. The second officer, who has been with the department for less than a year, did not fire his weapon.
Officers immediately administered emergency first aid until EMS arrived. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In accordance with departmental protocol, both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigations is leading the investigation into the incident. The findings will be submitted to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for review before being presented to the Summit County Grand Jury. Additionally, the Akron Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will conduct an internal review, with results to be shared with the police chief and the City of Akron Police Auditor.
No further information has been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
