AKRON, Ohio — Akron police are crediting new technology with helping them locate and save a shooting victim.
Police say that 911 operators used "Prepared Live" to pinpoint a caller's exact location, after numerous incomplete calls regarding a shooting. During one of the calls, the caller said "help," and hung up without providing an address or any additional information.
"During the frantic call, a fast-thinking technician sent a Prepared Live Link to the number and received another message and plea for help that directed officers to a residence in the 1100 block of Hinman Ct," said Akron police.
Thanks to the technology, officers were able to find the victim in a "nick of time."
When police arrived at the scene, officers found a 26-year-old man in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers provided first aid until EMS arrived. The victim was then transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital where he is listed in serious, but stable condition.
"The combined use of the technology and the initial actions of the responding officers provided the victim with a fighting chance to survive his injuries," said Akron police.
According to preliminary investigation, an unknown, possibly masked suspect broke into the home and shot the victim.
At this time, the shooting remains under investigation and detectives are working to identify and locate those responsible for the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Additionally, citizens may also provide anonymous information to any of the following:
- The Summit County Crimestoppers
- 330-434-COPS
- Text TIPSCO with your tips
- 274637
- Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411
