Police say a 20-year-old man who was holding a gun was shot by an officer in Akron Monday afternoon.
The shooting happened around 4:55 p.m. in the area of Roscoe Avenue and Bittaker Street.
It all started when police tried to initiate a traffic stop on McKinley Street after the driver reportedly made several traffic violations. Police say the suspect, a 20-year-old man, tried to elude officers in his car and then got out and led police on a foot chase through the neighborhood.
"I saw the guy running with the gun and the police officer said 'stop, drop the gun,'" said Don Stark who witnessed the scene. "He started running down the second house on Roscoe then he went to the back and then he jumped the fence. I saw him fall down.'
Officers said they saw the suspect carrying a handgun. As officers continued the chase, they gave verbal commands for the suspect to drop the weapon.
"Next thing I know? The cop was drawing his gun, saying 'stop.' And all of a sudden I heard shots...It sounded like a firecracker," Stark said.
Police shot the suspect in the stomach on Roscoe Avenue.
Authorities said they found a gun next to the suspect.
Police are holding off on releasing the man's name until family members are notified.
"I understand he's in good shape. We just checked on that, I think it was a through and through shot to the stomach," Akron Police Chief, James Nice, told News 5. "We are under a microscope, and we do the best job we can, but police work, sometimes, we may be involved in a shooting. And that's why police officers carry guns."
The man was taken to Summa Akron City Hospital. Police told News 5 he is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
The officer involved is a four-year veteran with the police department. He will be on paid administrative leave while the incident remains under investigation.
