Akron Police have put out a statewide alert for the driver of a pickup truck who fired a shot at officers and sped away during an attempted traffic stop near the intersection of Vernon Odom Boulevard and Tyler Street at 3:50AM today.
They say one of the two officers on the scene returned fire, they don’t know if any of the bullets he fired hit the truck.
It’s described as a silver Ford F-150 XLT, Ohio license plate, PND 1016, and they say they believe it traveled westbound on Vernon Odom Blvd., and then got on I-77 northbound after the incident.
Neither of the officers were injured, and the one who fired his weapon is now on administrative leave while an investigation into the incident is underway.
In a press release today, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding, said “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.”
In addition, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik observed, “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.”
Anyone with information is encouraged 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, call 330-434-COPS
- Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637
- Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411
- Access the link on the Akron Police website: www.AkronCops.org
