Bodycam Footage Shows Akron Police Officer Shoot Teen Who Had Fake Gun

Akron, Ohio – April 1, 2024: A police officer-involved shooting occurred in Akron on the evening of Monday, April 1, following a report of an armed juvenile allegedly pointing a firearm at houses in a residential neighborhood. The incident left a 15-year-old boy with a non-life-threatening injury and has since prompted an internal investigation.

At approximately 7:04 p.m., the Akron Police Department Communications Center received a 911 call from a concerned citizen. The caller reported witnessing a young male, possibly a teenager, walking near the intersection of Newton Street and Tonawanda Avenue. The boy was allegedly seen pointing a gun at surrounding homes, causing alarm for nearby residents. The urgency of the situation led dispatchers to send officers to the area immediately to investigate the potentially dangerous behavior.

By 7:11 p.m., one of the responding officers observed an individual who matched the description provided by the caller. The subject, later identified as a 15-year-old male, was walking near the intersection of Brittain Road and Ottawa Avenue. The officer, who was operating a marked patrol vehicle, initiated contact by stopping his cruiser and preparing to engage with the teen.

As the officer began to exit his vehicle, he issued a loud verbal command, instructing the teen to show his hands. According to preliminary reports and body camera footage under review, the officer observed what appeared to be a firearm in the teen's hand. Based on the perceived threat and within seconds of initiating the stop, the officer discharged his service weapon one time.

The single gunshot struck the 15-year-old in the hand, causing him to drop what he was holding. Officers quickly moved in to secure the scene and prevent any further escalation. Upon confirming that the teen was no longer armed and that the threat had been neutralized, officers began administering emergency first aid.

One of the officers on scene applied a tourniquet to the injured arm to control bleeding until emergency medical personnel could arrive. The teen was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he received medical treatment for his injuries. Authorities have confirmed that the injury was not life-threatening and that the teen is expected to recover.

The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as a 9-year veteran of the Akron Police Department. In accordance with departmental policy, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is reviewed by internal investigators and oversight personnel. The department stated that this step is standard in any case involving the use of force.

Investigators recovered a replica firearm from the scene. While it closely resembled a real handgun, authorities are working to determine whether it was capable of firing or was non-functional. The discovery of the replica weapon may become a critical aspect of the investigation, as it contributed directly to the officer’s decision to use deadly force.

Akron Police officials have expressed a commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the investigation. They noted that body-worn camera footage from the incident will be reviewed and released to the public in accordance with city policy and once legally appropriate.

This incident once again underscores the high-stakes challenges law enforcement officers face when responding to calls involving suspected firearms, especially when the individuals involved are juveniles. The split-second decisions made during such encounters can have lasting consequences for all parties involved.

Community leaders and advocates have called for calm and patience as the investigation unfolds. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video of the incident to come forward and assist with the inquiry.

Further updates from the Akron Police Department and the city administration are expected as the investigation progresses.