An Akron police officer fatally shot a man while investigating an alleged stolen car overnight Saturday, police said.
According to a press release from the Akron Police Department, officers observed a car they say was stolen in the parking lot of a gas station in the 2200 block of East Avenue at around 1:04 a.m. Saturday. According to the police department, one of the officers fired two rounds at the suspect, later identified as a 54-year-old man, "during the course of the incident."
Police say the officers "immediately" rendered first aid to the man, including "applying at least one chest seal." The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police recovered a loaded gun from inside the car.
"When an incident such as this occurs, it is tragic for our city, and everyone impacted, especially when a life is lost," Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a statement Saturday afternoon. "Officer-involved shootings are often highly nuanced and complex, and some of the toughest situations for a community to grapple with. More information will be released in the coming week, including the body-worn camera footage of the incident, so that we as a community can develop a clearer picture of what transpired. My thoughts are with the family of the deceased and with our officers.”
On Sunday morning, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office identified the 54-year-old as Michael Donnel Jones. His cause of death was listed as two gunshot wounds to the torso and his manner of death listed as homicide, which the medical examiner noted "is a medical ruling meaning death at the hands of another and is not a legal conclusion."
According to the police department, the officer who fatally shot the suspect had been an Akron police officer for two-and-a-half years. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave per department procedure as the shooting is investigated. The department did not identify the officer.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations responded to the scene and will handle the investigation. BCI's findings will be turned over to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office for review before being submitted to the Summit County Grand Jury.
The Akron Police Department said its standards and accountability office would conduct a separate internal investigation into the shooting, with the results provided to Police Chief Brian Harding and Police Auditor Anthony Finnell for review.
Akron City Councilman Eric Garrett Sr. extended his sympathies to the family and loved ones of the man who died and asked that the community hold them in their thoughts and prayers. He also asked that the community withhold judgement on the incident until the independent investigation bears its results.
"It is important that we wait for all the facts to emerge so that justice can be served appropriately. This is a moment for patience, understanding, and unity," Garrett said. "I will continue working to ensure that the investigation is thorough, transparent, and fair. We must also recognize the pain felt by the community and commit ourselves to seeking solutions that build trust and prevent future tragedies. Only through careful consideration and mutual support can we move forward."
This is a developing story. Stay with 3News for updates as they become available.