Akron Police Department

Akron Police Department Hosts Annual K-9 Challenge

On Saturday, May 23rd, the Akron Police Department hosted the annual K-9 Challenge at Firestone Stadium, bringing together K-9 teams from various local police departments for a day of skill, teamwork, and community engagement.

APD’s own K-9 teams—Officer Leadbetter with K-9 Lobo and Officer Fashempour with K-9 Mando—competed in the categories of Agility, Obedience, and Apprehension. Each event showcased the dedication, discipline, and strong bond between officers and their K-9 partners.

A special award, Top Dog, was presented to Officer Leadbetter and K-9 Lobo, recognizing their outstanding performance across all categories. Officer Fashempour and K-9 Mando also earned 1st place in Agility, demonstrating exceptional coordination and precision. Congratulations to both of our K-9 teams!

All participants delivered impressive performances. The Akron Police Department K-9 Unit would like to thank everyone who attended and supported all of the K-9 teams, making the event a success! 🐾💙🐾

Yesterday afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Manuel Eliezer Ramirez-Molina, 36. Ramirez-Molina was wanted by the Akron Police Department & Akron Fire Department for arson.

Early Saturday morning, Akron Fire Department was called to a fire at Roush’s Market on Thornton St. in Akron. When the Fire Department arrived, the business was fully engulfed in flames. Crews worked tirelessly to get the blaze under control and to ensure no victims were inside. Investigators with the Fire Department immediately began looking into the cause of the fire and quickly gathered that the fire had been intentionally set. A warrant for arson was issued for Manuel Eliezer Ramirez-Molina the next day.

Members of the NOVFTF immediately began searching for Ramirez-Molina. During the course of their investigation, they learned that Ramirez-Molina was residing in this country illegally. Within hours of the fugitive investigation being opened the task force was able to locate and safely arrest Ramirez-Molina. He was taken into custody in the area of Howe St. and Leroy Ave. in Akron, only two blocks from the crime.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Although a devastating crime, this criminal and his complete disregard for our community will not break the spirits of the Akron community. With this fugitive behind bars so quickly, the Akron community can focus on supporting this business and help rebuild this long-standing Akron establishment.”

"I'm grateful to the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force for their swift work to safely apprehend the suspect in this devastating arson,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “Anyone who puts lives, businesses, and neighborhoods at risk through violent criminal acts must be held accountable. Our focus remains on supporting the Roush's Market family and surrounding neighborhood. Akron has always responded to difficult moments by coming together, and I know this community will do the same again in this moment."

The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies: The United States Marshals Service, Akron Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Fairlawn Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Kent Police Department, Medina County Sheriff’s Office, New Franklin Police Department, Northfield Police Department, Norton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Reminderville Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Tallmadge Police Department, Twinsburg Police Department, Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.

The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern.
Apply Now https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/akron/jobs/

Recently, the department was confronted with an unexpected and immediate disruption of service from an outside government agency. The loss of service occurred with little notice and had the potential to significantly impact daily operations.

Faced with this challenge, these two valuable APD employees immediately stepped forward without hesitation, even though solving this issue fell well outside their normal assignments. They recognized the seriousness of the situation and the consequences it could have for the department. They quickly developed solutions and created an operational plan. Their efforts ultimately resulted in a successful online application and workflow process.

Their actions demonstrated exceptional leadership and problem-solving ability and ensured the department could continue operating efficiently and effectively.

For this, they were presented commendations by Chief Harding. Congratulations and thank you! 👏💙

If you are 14-20 years old and interested in the Summer Explorers Program, please contact Officer Romine at [email protected] or 330-375-2390.

🚨UPDATE - Mr. Fields has been located. Thank you for your help.

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HELP US LOCATE MR. FIELDS - PLEASE SHARE!!!

The Akron Police Department is asking for the community's assistance in locating 64-year-old Handson Fields.

Mr. Fields was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, gray sweatpants, and black Skechers sneakers. He is approximately 6'2, 250 pounds, with black hair, and a salt & pepper beard.

Mr. Fields was last seen in the area of Nome Avenue and Stoner Street at approximately 2:30pm today (5/28/2026)

If you see Mr. Fields or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490

Congratulations to APD Community Relations Officer Mike Williams on being honored as a "Hometown Hero" by the Columbus Crew

This morning, members of the Akron Police Department participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Ohio. Law enforcement officers run or bike the torch from different starting points across Ohio to the Opening Ceremonies of the State Summer Games, while raising funds and public awareness of Special Olympics Ohio. The "Flame of Hope" has been carried proudly by tens of thousands of officers in the last 40 years. The Special Olympics Summer Games Opening Ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 29th, on The Ohio State University campus.