The Akron Police Department, U.S. Marshals, and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force are asking the public's help finding Coren Harris Sr., who they say is wanted for kidnapping and rape.
Harris Sr. (pictured) is wanted for the rape of a woman at his last known address on Cuyahoga Street in Akron back in August.
He's a 43-year-old black male, about 6 foot 1 inch, weighing about 250 pounds.
Akron Police detectives believe that Harris Sr. is still in or around the Akron area and consider him to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or text keyword WANTED and tip to 847411 (tip411). Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-12-7-18 Featured
Written by Jeanne Destro
This week, the massive Marriott data breach, a phone scam that cost grandparents $41 million dollars last year, a huge military contract for Microsoft, and robots that both help the disabled, and allow them to-help you.
***Please note: This show is now available as a podcast on Apple and Android devices. To find out how, follow these links: Apple, or Android
Summit M.E. Looking for IDs on Two Crash Victims
Written by Ryan LangThe Summit County Medical Examiner's Office is still looking for the public's help identifying two of the four victims in Monday morning's deadly crash at Goodyear Boulevard and Kelly Avenue in Akron.
Two of the victims have been ID'ed, according to the report. 29-year-old Colleen Wood from Akron, who was driving the car that hit a wall, and then a pole before bursting into flames.
The front passenger was 29-year-old Alex Jay Lester from Ravenna. Thursday, the M.E.'s office released more of a description of the two victims who were riding in the back seat.
See more below:
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This is an update regarding the traffic fatality that occurred on 12/3/2018 near the intersection of Goodyear Blvd. and Kelly Ave. in Akron.
Two of the deceased occupants have been positively identified. They were Colleen A. Wood, a 29 year-old female from Malasia Road in Akron and Alex Jay Lester, a 29 year old male from Merrill Road in Ravenna.
The two back seat passengers are still unidentified.
- Caucasian Male
Approximately 5 feet, 11 inches and weighing approximately 228 pounds
Victim appears to be in his twenties or thirties
Victim has a metal plate in his left jaw.
- African American Male
Approximately 5 feet, 5 inches and weighing approximately 106 pounds
Victim has a dental bridge on his upper front teeth
Victim appears to be a small framed and slim African American Male, possibly a adolescent.
Anybody with information concerning the unidentified victims are asked to contact the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office at 330-643-2101
The City of Akron says they've finished their road repaving project that was funded by the passage of Issue 1, the quarter-percent income tax increase, voted in by Akron voters back in November of last year.
More than 41 miles of city streets have been repaved over the course of the past year, the majority of which was done on residential streets, according to the city.
See the full press release below:
(CIty of Akron) The City of Akron has completed the 2018 repaving schedule as projected and on budget. A dedicated stream of funding, which came from the quarter percent income tax increase that was passed by voters in November of 2017, was allotted specifically for roads. As projected, the increased funding allowed the City to repave an additional 37.5 miles of roadway, on top of the 17 miles previously designated in the City budget.
Of the completed work, 41.5 were residential streets and 13 miles were arterial/collector streets. The 2018 repaving work was split approximately evenly among Akron’s 10 wards, and was planned based on both the 2015 State of the Streets study and an annual street survey that determines the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of Akron’s roads.
While the City is pleased with the first year of completed work, there is still much to be done. Mayor Horrigan states, “This is the first year of many that it will take to truly restore Akron’s streets. Years of disinvestment, due to lack of proper revenue, cannot be righted in a single year. But I truly hope Akronites can see a difference in the caliber of the roads so far, and it will only become more apparent as we continue this pace with each repaving season.”
In addition to the streets that were scheduled for repaving in 2018, several streets were improved in conjunction with other projects, such as Aqueduct Street as part of the Green Improvements project, Main Street for the ODOT Main Broadway Interchange project and Cedar and Exchange Streets for the Cedar/Exchange Street safety enhancement project.
The ¼% income tax increase took effect January 1, 2018, and raised approximately $13 million in 2018. These additional funds helped to replace lost revenue from the State of Ohio, and allowed the City to begin making long-awaited and much-needed improvements to the City’s public safety and roadway infrastructure. As promised, Mayor Horrigan will continue to divide these new funds roughly equally between police, fire/EMS, and streets each year.
1590 WAKR Student Athletes of the Week: Zach Miller & Lauren Davis
Written by Aaron ColemanThis week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Zach Miller, a senior hockey player from CVCA.
Hockey’s been a big part of his life from his early years when his parents had him taking skating lessons.
“Ever since I was seven years old, I started playing hockey and have played it ever since,” Zach said.
He says being around the guys is one of the best aspects of being on the team.
“Being around the guys is so much fun, because of the atmosphere that’s provided,” Miller said.
His coach Doug Fairchild says that Zach is a true leader both on and off the ice.
“Zach is an outstanding student, one of the top students in our engineering program at CVCA,” Fairchild explains.
“Zach was a unanimous selection as a team captain this season due to his hard work and dedication. He is an excellent example for our younger players to follow.”
When he’s not playing hockey, Zach’s a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society. He’s also done some volunteer work for the Akron–Canton Regional Foodbank.
Upon graduation in the spring, Zach plans to major in Areospace Engineering.
Our next Student Athlete is Lauren Davis, a senior basketball player from CVCA.
She says working with her coaches and teammates is something she truly enjoys whenever she steps on the basketball court.
“We all just care about each other so much and it makes for a good atmosphere during games and practices,” she explained.
She is a two year captain, and a three-year varsity letter winner for the Royals.
Her coach Andy O’Keefe says that leadership translates to all facets of Lauren’s life.
“She exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. Lauren's toughness, skillset, and determination make her a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court,” O’Keefe.
“At the same time, her selfless and humble character makes everyone on the team better.”
Upon graduation in the spring, Lauren plans to attend Kent State University to study nursing.
We wish Zach and Lauren the best in all of their future endeavors.
Summa, Akron Public Schools Announce Partnership
Written by Ryan LangOn Wednesday, the Akron Public School District announced its new partnership with Summa Health as part of the College And Career Academies of Akron at Buchtel CLC.
As part of the agreement, the Summa Health Academy of Leadership and Innovation will offer real-world learning opportunities and instruction for students who are interested in the health care industry.
For more on the College and Career Academies of Akron visit the Akron Public Schools Website.
On Monday, Summit County Sheriff's deputies and detectives responded to the Bridges Learning Center on Johnathan Avenue on a report of a student with a gun on campus.
After a brief investigation, Detectives found a semi-automatic pistol stashed in the back of a school transport van. While the gun never made it into the school, a 12-year-old student was arrested and charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Theft of a Firearm, as it was determined that he stole the gun from an Akron home.
That students was booked in Summit County Juvenile Detention Center.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office is reporting that a body was found near the Bridges Learning Center campus that same day, Monday, December 3rd. Shortly after the discovery of the body, detectives determined that the person had taken their own life two days prior and that the two incidents at Bridges Learning Center were unrelated.
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(SUMMIT CO. SHERIFF'S OFFICE) On December 3, 2018, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office responded to Bridges Learning Center in regards to a gun that has been brought to school by a student. Sheriff's detectives responded and found a loaded semi-automatic pistol hidden in the back of a school transport van. It was determined that the gun was never brought onto to the grounds of the school. Detectives learned that the gun was stolen the day before from an Akron residence. A 12 year old student was arrested for Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Theft of a Firearm. He was transported to the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center.
Medical Examiner Seeks Help to ID Crash Victims
Written by Jeanne DestroThe Summit County Medical Examiner's office has identified two of the four people who died in a fiery one-car crash on Goodyear Boulevard Monday morning.
They are 29 year old Colleen A. Wood, from Malasia Road, in Akron, and 29 year old Alex Jay Lester, from Merrill Road, in Ravenna.
But--they have not yet been able to identify two other men who were killed in the accident, which police say may have been related to excessive speed. So, the Medical Examiner's office is now asking anyone who may have information about who those two men might be--to give them a call, at 330-643-2101.
An Akron man will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of rape, according to the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.
Back in October, Raymond Smiley pled guilty to raping his girlfriend's young daughter on two separate occassions.
Common Pleas Court Judge Christine Croce sentenced Smiley, who isn't eligible for parole for 20 years, on Tuesday.
See the full press release from the Prosecutor's Office below:
Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Christine Croce sentenced Raymond Smiley, 39, of McGowan Street in Akron, to LIFE IN PRISON for raping a young girl.
On October 23, 2018 Smiley pled guilty to the following charges:
- Two Counts of Rape – Felonies of the 1st degree
Smiley admitted to raping his girlfriend’s young daughter on two separate occasions.
“What this defendant did was horrifying. I am very grateful he will spend a significant amount of time in prison where he won’t be able to hurt innocent young girls,” said Prosecutor Walsh. “The survivor and her mother showed tremendous strength in standing up to him. My prosecutors and victim advocates did an outstanding job in getting justice.”
Smiley will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years in prison.
Judge Croce also designated Smiley a Tier III sex offender. If he is released from prison, Smiley will have to register with the local sheriff every 90 days for the rest of his life.
A Ravenna NRA instructor was arrested Monday, charged with issuing fake concealed carry permits to participants of his class.
According to reports, Anthony Drago, 47, forged concealed carry training certificates without providing the required training, that by law must include at least 8 hours of class time and two hours of range time.
The Record Courier is reporting that Drago's charged with four counts of tampering with records, four counts of falsification to obtain a concealed-carry weapon permit, and four counts of forgery.
Drago was arrested Monday and arraigned in Portage County Court before he was released on $20,000 personal recognizance bond.
More...
Youngstown State University officials are reporting the campus is locked down due to a report of a person with a gun on campus.
Below is an update posted to the YSU Facebook page:
Updated 12/3 11:52 AM: Please note that the Youngstown State University campus is currently on lock down. The university was alerted to an individual on campus with a firearm. University police are in the process of investigating the report. There are no reported injuries of any sort. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
The subject we are currently looking for is a black male, red hoodie, with red and white lettering, dreadlocks and black backpack. If you have information, please contact YSU Police immediately 330-941-3527
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ALERT: Campus is in lockdown. A suspect is currently at large with a firearm. Last seen by Rec Center. No description. YSU Police is investigating. Please shelter in place and lock all exterior and office doors.
Meanwhile, St. E's hospital, St. Ursuline High School, the Youngstown Diocese, and Ohio Living Park Vista have also been placed on lockdown.
Click here for more from WFMJ.
Three businesses in Akron's Kenmore neighborhood were targets for robbers over the weekend, and Akron Police believe it was one suspect that hit two of them.
According to the report from APD, a man jumped over the front counter at the Rite Aid at 1047 Kenmore Boulevard Friday morning around 8:30, demanding cash from the register. The employee working refused and the suspect took off running.
Later Friday evening, around 7, Police say that same Rite Aid was targeted again. According to the report, an employee approached the suspected shoplifter (pictured) who had been seen stuffing items under his shirt. When the employee asked the man to lift up his shirt, he refused while items were falling out of his clothing. The man then attempted to punch an employee while running out the front door, but the door was locked. That's when he pulled out a metal wire and stabbed at the employee's arms, demanding cash. The employee gave him money and he ran out the back door.
Then Saturday night, around 7:30, the Tansations Tanning Salon at 1262 Kenmore Boulevard targeted by a man who pulled a knife and demanded money. That suspect, believed to be the same man in the second Rite Aid robbery, fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Anyone with information is asked to call Akron Police.
Akron Police and the Summit County Medical Examiner are investigating a fatal accident from early Monday morning, around 3:30 a.m. at Goodyear Boulevard near Kelly Avenue.
According to the Medical Examiner's report, four people were riding in a car westbound on Goodyear Boulevard, when the car went off the road and hit a cement wall, eventually bouncing back across the roaod into a light pole and catching fire.
All four inside the car were pronounced dead at the scene.
Semi Hauling Bulldozer Hits East Ave Bridge on 76
Written by Ryan LangA semi-trailer that was hauling a bulldozer along I-76 Eastbound hit the East Avenue Bridge before 6:30 Monday morning, causing major backups during the rush hour commute.
See the full release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol below:
Akron, Ohio – On December 3, 2018 at approximately 6:21 AM, The Akron Post of The Ohio State Highway Patrol was requested by the Akron Police Department to assist with a two vehicle non injury crash that occurred at 06:21 AM and has closed Interstate 76 eastbound at the East Avenue Bridge.
The drivers’ names of the vehicles are unknown at this time. The vehicles involved are a semi-truck and trailer hauling a bulldozer which struck the East Avenue Bridge causing the bulldozer to come off of the trailer. A passenger car then struck the bulldozer
If you haven’t already heard, avoid I 76 E at East Avenue. This will take some time. Thank you in advance for your patience. #heyakron pic.twitter.com/czcpWTJuvk
— Akron Fire Local 330???? (@fire_330) December 3, 2018
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Akron Police Department, Akron Fire Department and The Ohio Department of Transportation are on scene.
Interstate 76 eastbound at the East Avenue bridge (mile Marker 20) will remained closed for an unknown amount of time. The detour set is 76 eastbound Kenmore leg to IR 277 eastbound to IR 77. Please check OHGO.com for the latest traffic updates