AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department says a use-of-force investigation is underway as video of a weekend arrest was released involving a man with warrants for felony drug possession, domestic violence and contempt of court.
Police say it was around 7 p.m. Saturday when officers conducted a registration check on a vehicle that possessed a temporary tag.
“The report back was the plate was expired and warrants for Jordan Ely Sr. were linked to it,” according to a press release from Akron police. “Officers verified the warrants were still active, but lost sight of the vehicle for a short period of time.”
The car was later found in the parking lot of a Family Dollar store in the 900 block of Copley Road with the driver standing next to it, according to Akron police.
As officers pulled up and approached the suspect, police say Ely reached toward the open car door and “started to turn away as one of the officers attempted to grab his left arm to prevent him from fleeing.”
You can watch body camera footage from Akron police in the video below. Editor’s note: Viewer discretion is advised.
Police say Ely “began to back pedal” as officers were attempting to gain control of him.
“One officer grabbed Ely by the waist and took him to the ground,” police said. “Verbal commands were given to Ely to put his hands behind his back and to stop resisting. Ely did not comply, and officers continued to try to separate his hands to safely handcuff the suspect. During the two-minute struggle to get Ely into custody, strikes were used in addition to the physical grappling.”
After Ely was handcuffed, he was moved to a seated position as EMS responded to the scene.
“Inside the vehicle, officers found a baggie containing a powder that field tested positive for fentanyl,” according to Akron police.
A small child – who was also inside the vehicle – was released to a family member.
Police say Ely has now been charged with obstructing official business, resisting arrest and felony possession of drugs.
The-use of-force investigation is being conducted in accordance with Akron Police Department procedure.
Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett issued the following statement about the situation:
I am aware of a video circulating on social media that captures an interaction between APD officers and Mr. Jordan Ely Sr. on July 1st at approximately 7 pm on Copley Rd.
As with every use of force, the incident will be fully investigated to ensure APD policies and procedures were properly followed. At the conclusion of the internal investigation, the matter will be reviewed by the Akron Police Auditor and the newly installed Citizens’ Police Oversight Board.
This police department takes every matter involving an APD employee and a use of force very seriously. The use of force will be measured against the ‘objectively reasonable’ standard as well as the totality of the circumstances.
On Thursday, the newly formed Akron Citizens' Police Oversight Board told 3News that they're troubled by the video, and will very likely review the case and give Akron police some recommendations.
"I'm very concerned, but at the same time not drawing any conclusions about what happened or its significance," said board member Bob Gippin.
Board Chair Kemp Boyd shared one recommendation he'll give to police.
"From a mental health perspective, hearing someone cry out that they can't breathe or they wanted to talk, needed help, there has to be some type of assistance there from some type of a mental health provider that's on, if you will, that team of police officers to engage in that as well,” he expressed
Boyd said he'd most definitely ask about the apparent punch.
"Even though somebody has to get arrested or even has to put handcuffs on somebody, does it have to be done to the extent that we've seen on this body cam footage? That's kind of my question, like, what triggered that? What led to that?" he added.
3News also stopped at Ely's house Thursday, just about a block away from where he was arrested. Only his grandmother was home.
She didn't want to do an interview, but said this whole situation is "very upsetting," and she's trying not to think about it very much because it's too painful.
