AKRON, Ohio — Akron police early Thursday morning shot and killed a suspect they claim was holding his wife at knifepoint when officers arrived.
According to the department's report of the incident, a woman called 911 and said her estranged husband had come to her house on the 2400 block of 26th Street Southwest and later forced himself into her bedroom after she attempted to lock herself inside there. She also told authorities she had an active order of protection against the suspect for prior domestic violence incidents.
Officers arrived on the scene around 3:45 a.m. and later told investigators the man was holding a knife on his wife. After unsuccessfully ordering the suspect to drop the knife and release the woman, one officer apparently tried to tase the man, but he did not let go of the knife. Moments later, a second officer fired his weapon, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after EMS crews were called.
The woman was rescued and checked for injuries. The Summit County Medical Examiner has since identified the deceased as 58-year-old James W. Gross, adding that he was fatally shot in the head and neck.
The two officers have both been employed in for about seven years, according to the department. Per protocol, they have each been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation. Officials from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation also responded to the area.
Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett released the following statement:
"This was a very unfortunate incident. Members of the Akron Police Department value every human life and the loss of life in this incident is not the outcome we wanted. A complete and thorough investigation will take place and our findings will be shared with the public. I know that the citizens of Akron expect transparency and they will absolutely receive that in a timely manner."
Mayor Dan Horrigan added:
"Regarding the officer involved shooting that occurred early this morning, we will be releasing the body worn camera footage to the public in a timely fashion. Our residents expect and deserve the highest degree of transparency and accountability regarding any use of deadly force by an Akron Police Officer. Releasing this footage will allow the public to see for themselves what occurred, including the moments leading up to the event."
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