By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A semi-truck driver struck multiple police cruisers and other vehicles during a pursuit in Akron, Ohio, Saturday, injuring two officers before being shot by law enforcement.
• The incident began with a disturbance call at an IHOP in Springfield Township, Ohio, when officers confronted the driver inside the truck.
• Akron Police officers and a Summit County Sheriff’s deputy discharged their weapons, striking the driver at least once; he was taken to a hospital.
• Two Akron officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave; the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the probe.
• Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity; the case will be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
AKRON, OH — A semi-truck driver struck several police cruisers and other vehicles during a pursuit Saturday evening in Akron, Ohio, injuring two officers before being shot by responding law enforcement, authorities said.
The incident began shortly before 6:15 p.m. when Springfield Township officers responded to a disturbance call at an IHOP and encountered a man in the cab of a semi-truck who declined to exit, officials said. During the confrontation, one officer was injured and taken to a hospital.
Officers pursued the semi-truck northbound on Interstate-77 into Akron and located it in a parking area on East Market Street, where the vehicle struck multiple Akron Police cruisers and civilian vehicles.
Two Akron officers and a Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputy fired their duty weapons, striking the driver at least once, police said. The driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
The two Akron officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave as standard procedure, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting the inquiry. Completed findings will be forwarded to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for potential grand jury review.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name.