Akron Police shared the following statement about a “use of force” incident that took place on Wednesday, May 7. This is what they posted to FaceBook:

The Akron Police Department is aware of a video circulating showing a police use of force incident that occurred on May 7, 2025.

“I want the community to know I recognize that there is concern surrounding this incident due to the use of force,” said Akron Police Chief Brian Harding. “We are actively reviewing this incident as we do with all police use of force occurrences and will work to share more information as it becomes available. This will be investigated by a supervisor and reviewed by the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability. It will also be reviewed by the Independent Police Auditor.”

Incident Details
On 5/7/25 at 9:17 PM, Officers were dispatched to Coley Path and Crane Walk for a fight. A citizen caller told dispatchers that a man was assaulting a woman in the parking lot. He also said that if the police did not get there, he was going to shoot the man.

Officers arrived and were directed by bystanders to Dontay Auston (31). Auston had blood on his hands and chest, and he was standing next to a broken end table that bystanders said he had used to break a car windshield. When officers approached Auston to investigate the incident, he fled on foot. Officers pursued Auston and used force to take him into custody. Auston was treated and released on scene by EMS and transported to the Summit County Jail on charges of Obstructing Official Business and Resisting Arrest. Auston also had a warrant for his arrest for Disorderly Conduct from the Canton Police Department.

The female victim was not on scene. The investigation remains ongoing at this time and additional charges may be filed.