Akron, Ohio — A suspect was shot after a semi-truck pursuit that allegedly injured an officer and ended in a crash.
According to a joint release from the Akron Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, and Springfield Township Police Department, the incident began around 5:55 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Walmart at 2887 South Arlington Road after reports of a man screaming at employees.
Police said officers located Mr. Latson sitting in a semi-truck in the parking lot. When officers attempted to remove him from the vehicle, Latson allegedly refused and began driving away while a Springfield Township officer was standing on the truck’s exterior sidestep.
Authorities said the truck turned abruptly, throwing the officer to the ground and causing serious leg injuries.
According to police, Latson allegedly fled southbound on South Arlington Road into oncoming traffic before entering Interstate 77 North. Due to the danger to motorists, Springfield Township officers terminated the initial pursuit near I-77 North and U.S. Route 224 East.
Akron police later located the truck parked in a nearby lot. When officers approached, Latson allegedly drove away again, leading officers westbound on East Market Street before turning onto Innovation Way, where the truck struck multiple vehicles.
Police said a Summit County deputy and two Akron police officers fired their duty weapons during the encounter. After the shots were fired, Latson drove into a parking lot, striking several vehicles before stopping.
Officers then called EMS and rendered aid. Latson was transported to a hospital where he remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition, authorities said.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is handling the investigation. The case will be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office before being presented to a Summit County grand jury. Separate internal reviews are also underway by Akron police and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident temporarily disrupted traffic along several major Akron roadways, including Arlington Road and East Market Street.
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