Akron PD releases footage of fatal officer-involved shooting

AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — The Akron Police Department released footage Saturday from the officer-involved shooting last weekend.

FOX 8 News is not showing the provided body camera footage due to its graphic nature, but the surveillance camera footage can be viewed at the top of the story.

Last Saturday, officers were reportedly looking into a spotted stolen vehicle at Duke and Duchess gas station parking lot on East Avenue around 1 a.m.

A police officer fired two rounds during the incident, striking the suspect, identified as 54-year-old Michael Donnell Jones, according to investigators.

The medical examiner’s office confirmed Jones died from two gunshot wounds to the torso.

The Akron Police Department Saturday said a 911 caller had said Jones was shot while handcuffed, but that those “claims are inconsistent with the body camera footage, and the shooting of Mr. Jones occurred inside the vehicle. He was not handcuffed at the time.”

Police said Jones was removed from the vehicle and was handcuffed before medical assistance was provided.

Previously, Akron PD said officers found a loaded firearm inside the vehicle, but the new footage suggests “an officer found the firearm on or near Mr. Jones after he was removed from the vehicle.”

The officer involved in the incident is now on paid administrative leave. The officer has been with the department for two and a half years and has not been identified.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik released the following statement regarding the footage:

Today, the Akron Police Department released body camera footage and surveillance camera footage of the officer involved shooting last Saturday that resulted in the death of 54-year-old Michael Jones. My heart goes out to his family in this loss.

While it is never easy to watch someone’s last moments, I believe it is important that our community has a clear picture of what we know so far. I also want to acknowledge that the investigative process is in the beginning stages.

Over the coming months, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) will conduct a full, independent investigation of this incident. Then, the APD Office of Professional Standards and Accountability (OPSA) will conduct an internal investigation that will be reviewed by Akron’s Independent Police Auditor’s office.

I am committed to making sure our community continues to have robust, open conversations about public safety, in order to strengthen a collective sense of safety in Akron.

My thoughts remain with the loved ones of Mr. Jones, and with the officers involved.

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