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Sheriff: Portage County deputy who was set on fire is in good spirits

A suspect set him on fire on Valentine's Day.

Portage County Sheriff Dave Doak says the deputy who was set on fire by a suspect on Thursday is recovering and in good spirits.

"I just left from a visit with Sgt. Jim Acklin and I’m pleased to report he is in good spirits and making some progress," Doak wrote on Facebook Sunday afternoon. "...he expressed to me he and his family want to THANK everyone for the texts, phone calls, social media posts, and especially your prayers and well wishes."

The incident happened on state Route 44 while Acklin and other officers were attempting to serve a warrant at an address in Rootstown, where suspect Jay Brannon, 49, was located. 

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office says as officers made contact with Brannon, he threw an ignited can of flammable liquid at the officers, which hit Acklin and burned more than 20 percent of his body.

RELATED: Bond set at $1 million for man accused of setting Portage County police deputy on fire

Acklin, who suffered second and third degree burns, was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Center.

Brannon now faces attempted aggravated murder and aggravated arson charges. His bond was set at $1 million Friday.

Residents have been raising money to support Acklin. The Big Creek Search Dog Team has raised more than $3,000 on this GoFundMe page.

RELATED: Community rallies around Portage County deputy who was set on fire on Valentine’s Day

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