‘Suspect reportedly fires shots at Akron police officers during traffic stop, deemed extremely perilous’

An inquiry is currently in progress following reports of an unidentified individual shooting at two Akron police officers while they were conducting a traffic stop in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Akron police department stated that the occurrence took place at approximately 3:50 a.m. when the officers pulled over a silver Ford F-150 XLT at the intersection of Vernon Odom Boulevard and Tyler Street due to a traffic infraction.

Officials stated that as the officers got out of their patrol vehicle, the driver of the truck, whose identity remains unknown, fired a gunshot. Although one officer fired back, the perpetrator managed to escape. Fortunately, neither of the officers sustained any injuries during the altercation.

At this time, investigators are reviewing body camera footage, surveillance footage and other evidence to locate the suspect. The suspect remains at large.

In addition, a statewide alert has been issued for the suspect and the vehicle. The vehicle with an Ohio license plate PND-1016 is believed to have gotten on I-77 North following the incident. 

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. 

Citizens may also provide anonymous information for any of the following: 

• The Summit County Crimestoppers
• Text TIPSCO with your tips
• Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411

Akron police noted that the officer involved is a four-year veteran of the department. Per department policy, the officer will be placed on paid administrative leave. 

This incident underscores the risks and challenges our officers courageously face as they serve the community daily. While the incident remains under investigation, we are actively seeking the whereabouts of the suspect involved.

The incident our officers faced this morning was incredibly dangerous. We will pursue this perpetrator with every available resource, just as we will for every act of violence committed in this city. Our officers are increasingly facing armed suspects, and this incident once again highlights the danger they often encounter in the line of duty. I’m thankful our officers were not injured, and we would ask anyone with information to come forward so the suspect can be brought to justice.

This is just another reminder of the terrible danger Akron Police Officers face every day. In a manner of seconds, this situation went from a normal traffic stop to an armed suspect trying to murder two police officers. I’m thankful that no officers were hurt today.

Akron Police Officers will track down this suspect and arrest him so he can face justice for his cowardly actions. I encourage this suspect to turn himself in peacefully now and avoid any more violence.