AKRON, Ohio — The president of Akron Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 said an officer had to make a "split-second" decision when he shot at man at a small business plaza late Tuesday night who had allegedly pointed a handgun at people.
According to Deputy Chief David Laughlin, police responded to the area of Albrecht Avenue and High Grove Boulevard for a report about a fight and an intoxicated man pointing a handgun and threatening people.
During the interaction with the man, the officer discharged his weapon, striking and injuring the man, Laughlin said. It is unknown how many shots were fired or if the man pointed his gun at the officer.
"Initial reports came in that this individual was armed with a gun and pointing it at people," Akron Fraternal Order of Police President Brian Lucey said. "Our officers arrived on scene and were forced to make a split-second decision and discharge."
The man was transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition, and the officer is not injured, according to police.
"These are life-changing events," Lucey said. "This is a tragedy for the officer, for the individual involved, for the community as a whole. When we arrive to these type of calls, we wish everyone [would] more peacefully comply with our orders. Unfortunately, that does not always happen."
The officer, who has four years of experience, one with Akron Police, was placed on paid administrative leave.
"Akron FOP Lodge 7 will continue to stand firmly behind our members, who show up every day to keep the community safe," the union said in the Facebook post.
Our Overnight News Tracker followed Akron Police as they shut down the area, and captured investigators placing at least two dozen evidence markers outside, mainly on the street and sidewalk of the plaza. Investigators could be seen using a metal detector to search for shell casings.
The names of the officer who fired his gun and the man who was shot have not been released.
Ohio BCI is investigating the shooting.
The Ohio Attorney General's Office issued the following statement about the shooting:
"BCI was requested by the Akron Police Department Tuesday evening to investigate an officer-involved critical incident in the 2700 block of Albrecht Avenue. No officers were injured. The investigation is active and ongoing. No additional information is available at this time."
