AKRON, Ohio — Two men are dead after officers fired their weapons in the 500 block of Ritchie Avenue early Tuesday morning, the Akron Police Department confirmed. 

What You Need To Know

  • Akron Police said two men died Tuesday morning after officers fired their weapons

  • It is unclear if the men died due to the officers’ actions, police say

  • The officers involved were placed on administrative leave and state officials are joining Akron Police in its investigation

Akron police said it responded to a call claiming that a man inside the house had been screaming and pointing a gun at occupants of the home.   

When officers arrived, they reported hearing screaming coming from inside the home. Two people left the home, but police learned a person was still inside with the suspect. 

“Officers stood outside the side door and gave the suspect numerous verbal commands to drop the gun he was holding,” police said in a statement. “The suspect refused these commands and appeared at the top of the stairs brandishing the gun. Two officers discharged their firearms and then the suspect retreated into the residence.”

The police said it’s unclear if the two people who died were struck by the officers’ gunfire. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. 

The identities of the two men and the officers involved in the shooting were not yet released. 

Akron police said the two officers have just over two years of experience with the department. They have been placed on administrative leave per departmental policy. 

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations is assisting Akron police in the investigation. Once their investigation is complete, the Ohio Attorney General will review. 

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