AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force combined to capture the suspect wanted for allegedly shooting a gas station employee after stealing the station's tip jar.
In a release from the city of Akron, officials say the arrest happened on Tuesday morning in the 800 block of Oberlin Street. The 17-year-old suspect is being held at the Summit County Juvenile Detention Facility.
“I want to thank the Akron Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Task Force for their swift work in investigating this case and arresting the suspect,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik in a statement. “I want to make it very clear that anyone perpetrating violence will be held accountable in Akron. I am thankful that the victim has survived this senseless act, and we will ensure his attacker is brought to justice.”
The incident happened on January 25 as Akron police officers were called to the area of Delia Avenue and Wildwood Avenue for a reported shooting at 12:37 p.m. When police arrived, they found a 25-year-old man with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers provided emergency first aid, including applying a tourniquet until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical and remains hospitalized. Authorities say he will face "life-long complications due to this shooting."
Investigators believe the unknown suspect entered the Gas & Save located in the 800 block of West Exchange Street and stole a tip jar from the counter. The victim, who is an employee of the store, apparently followed the suspect a few blocks down Delia Avenue before being shot. The suspect then fled the area on foot.
“This arrest is a credit to the dedication and commitment of our Akron officers and detectives as well as the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force,” added Akron Acting Police Chief Brian Harding. “We have had folks working around the clock to find this suspect to ensure he will face the consequences of these senseless actions. I also want to thank our community as it was a tip that helped lead us to the suspect. The more that our residents get involved and break that code of silence, the safer our community can be.”
The case remains under investigation.
