The man who was shot by Akron police during an exchange of gunfire over the weekend has been identified.
The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office identified the man as 54-year-old Edward Earl Taylor. He died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
The victim, a 40-year-old woman, reportedly sent a text to her cousin saying that she was being held at gunpoint by an acquaintance who attempted to rape her.
When officers arrived at the 2000 block of Thurmont Road, the victim ran out of the house.
As the officers entered the house, Taylor allegedly fired shots at the officers, and in return, officers returned fire and took a position outside the house.
While outside, officers attempted to communicate with Taylor but he failed to respond.
SWAT assisted police at the scene who also tried to communicate with him. After four hours of trying to contact the suspect, chemical munitions were deployed into the house, enabling officers to enter inside.
When officers entered the house, Taylor was found dead with gunshot wounds.
Two officers involved, a three-year and a two-year veteran, have been placed on administrative leave per the department's policy.
A criminal and internal investigation will look into circumstances surrounding the shooting.
