AKRON, Ohio — Akron police are investigating after an 18-year-old man was killed during a car crash involving a stolen Kia on Tuesday night.
According to Akron police, the incident began just after 11:30 p.m. when officers spotted a stolen red Kia Forte driving at a high speed at Kelly Avenue and Tech Way Drive. Upon spotting the stolen vehicle, officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop.
Police briefly chased the vehicle, before terminating the chase around Kelly Avenue and 6th Avenue after the stolen vehicle reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.
Moments later, the stolen vehicle struck an uninvolved blue Kia, who was stopped in northbound traffic. After colliding with the vehicle, the red Kia crashed into a pole and caught on fire at Kelly Avenue and Third Avenue.
Officers removed three 18-year-old men from the burning car and took them to area hospitals due to injuries. One of the occupants, whose name has not been released, died shortly after arriving at the hospital. The driver of the uninvolved Kia was not injured.
Akron police also noted in a press release that at nearly the same time of the pursuit, a shooting was reported in the 800 block of Eller Avenue. Officers at the scene found a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the face. The victim was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.
Preliminary information from Akron police believe that the victim was walking on Eller Avenue when three men reportedly confronted him before they fled on foot following the shooting. Police say that the investigation is in its early stage and they are working to determine if there is any connection between the two incidents.
Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.
Additionally, anyone may also provide anonymous information to 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
