Akron police shoot driver after semitruck chase, investigation begins

A police chase involving a semitruck Saturday evening ended in an officer-involved shooting in Akron.

Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy said officers responded to a call for assistance around 6:14 p.m. Feb. 28 that a truck that had been involved in a chase outside of the city was believed to be in the 1700 block of East Market Street.

Akron officers found the semi in a parking lot.

Miller said the driver attempted to flee and struck “multiple” cruisers and headed west on East Market Street.

The semi struck another cruiser and other vehicles, authorities say, near Innovation Way.

Miller said two police officers fired at the driver, striking the suspect at least once.

The driver, whose name was not released, was taken to an undisclosed hospital for what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Miller said the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy as a result of the incident.

One officer involved in the shooting has about six years of experience while the other has three years of experience.

Miller said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is heading the investigation into the shooting.

After BCI wraps up its investigation, Miller said, the case will be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office before being submitted to a Summit County grand jury for its evaluation.

A separate internal investigation by the city’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will also be done.

Miller said those results will be provided to the police chief and the city of Akron police auditor.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron police shooting follows semitruck chase and series of crashes