Akron teen robbed of his shoes with AR-15 pointed at him on basketball court, police say

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - A 14-year-old boy on a basketball court was robbed of his shoes while an AR-15 style weapon was pointed at him, Akron Police confirmed, and the search is on for the five wanted suspects.

The robbery happened at Paterson Park at 800 Paterson Ave. at approximately 1:20 p.m. on May 26, police said.

APD stated the 14-year-old boy told police he was on the basketball court when he was approached by at least five males.

One of the suspects pointed an AR-15-style weapon at the victim and demanded his shoes, according to APD.

That suspect was described by police as about 5′9″ tall and was wearing a mask.

Police said the victim complied, and the suspect stole his shoes and took off in a dark gray car with a spoiler on the back.

“It makes me feel angry that our kids are not protected, and they can’t even come and play basketball,” said parent Denica Edwards. “My son goes down there and plays basketball so know he may have to stop going over there to play basketball.”

Another parent, Beverly Neely, was speechless when 19 News told her what happened.

“That’s crazy. That’s just crazy,” said Neely.

Neely said she’s called this neighborhood home for 10 years and can’t help but think of her own son.

“Yea that could have been him. That’s why I am on him constantly about answering his cellphone, where he is at, because he is over there like every day playing basketball,” said Neely

The suspects were described by Akron police as males around 17-23 years old.

Anyone with information on this robbery is urged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.

You can also share tips by calling Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS or texting TIPSCO with the information to 274637.

Reference report #23-58999 with your tips.

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