“This was a dangerous interaction that had the potential to become much worse,” Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said Saturday.
AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department shared an update Saturday on a shooting involving Akron police that resulted in the death of a man from Cincinnati.
Officials reported that the shooting occurred in Summit County on Monday morning after officers were alerted to a purported stolen gun and vehicle. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has taken charge of investigating the situation.
Akron police Sgt. Utomhin Okoh informed 3News that upon finding the vehicle, a white Toyota Camry, gunfire was exchanged around 8:45 a.m. near Lakeshore Boulevard and Kenmore Boulevard.
The driver of the reported stolen vehicle allegedly fired several rounds at officers, who then returned fire, striking him once.
Officials said officers attempted life-saving measures on the suspect before transporting him to Akron General Medical Center. In an update on Monday afternoon, Akron police stated that the driver, who has since been identified as 39-year-old Marcus Leonard Smith from Cincinnati, died as a result of his injuries.
On Saturday, the Akron Police Department said the keys to a vehicle that was taken during a robbery in Columbus the morning of the shooting were recovered from Smith’s pocket. The police department also released photographs of a handgun they say was recovered while investigators processed the scene. Officers had seen the gun in the street “just prior to beginning lifesaving efforts,” police said.
“This incident highlights the challenging and sometimes dangerous encounters our officers face every day. Often, our officers are confronted with difficult decisions in the interest of public safety and in the most extreme cases, those decisions can mean life or death,” Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said in a statement Saturday. “This was a dangerous interaction that had the potential to become much worse. I’m incredibly grateful that no innocent bystanders or officers were harmed. The Akron Police Department remains committed to the public safety of all our residents as the highest priority.
“Any loss of life is tragic and my condolences go out to the family of Marcus Smith as they grieve the loss of their loved one.”
Body cam footage of the incident was released on Saturday and can be seen below. Warning: The footage contains strong language and violent imagery. Viewer discretion is advised.
Akron police noted that three officers were involved in the incident and have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. The officers’ tenure with the police department ranges from 9 to 30 years.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik released the following statement on Saturday following the latest update:
“The body worn camera footage released today underscores the dangerous situation that our officers encountered on Monday morning. During the incident, officers attempted to stop Marcus Smith, who was armed and repeatedly fired a weapon. I remain very thankful that no other lives were lost in this incident. My thoughts are with all of the responding officers as they process this traumatic encounter, with the neighborhood residents who witnessed it, and with our officers who begin shifts each day knowing that they may have to respond to a similar call.
“In recent days, the Akron Beacon Journal has reported on Mr. Smith’s life and his struggles with mental health. I want to acknowledge these challenges and share my condolences to his family members. I also want to be clear that nothing excuses or justifies dangerous or deadly actions.
“For anyone who is in need of support with mental health challenges, reaching out for help is an incredibly meaningful step – for yourself and for others. Anyone in our community can start that process by calling 2-1-1 at any time or texting their zip code to 898-211 for assistance via text to be connected to resource providers.”
BCI’s Crime Scene and Special Investigations units are investigating the incident.
