Akron Police address video circulating social media showing ‘use of force incident’

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - Akron Police released a statement following a video circulating on social media showing a “use of force incident” on Wednesday.

According to a release from Akron Police, at around 9:17 p.m., officers were dispatched to Coley Path and Crane Walk for a fight.

A caller told a dispatcher that a man was assaulting a woman in the parking lot. The caller also said that if police did not get there, he was going to shoot the man.

When officers arrived on the scene, a bystander directed them to 31-year-old Dontay Auston, who had blood on his hands and chest, standing next to a broken end table.

Bystanders said he had used the table to break a car windshield, according to police.

When officers attempted to approach Auston, he fled on foot.

According to the release, officers pursued Auston and used force to take him into custody.

Auston was treated and released by EMS before being transported to Summit County Jail.

Police said Auston was charged with obstructing official business and resisting arrest.

According to the release, Auston also had a warrant for his arrest out of Canton for disorderly conduct.

The victim was not on scene, according to police.

“I want the community to know I recognize that there is concern surrounding this incident due to the use of force. We are actively reviewing this incident as we do with all police use of force occurrences and will work to share more information as it becomes available. This will be investigated by a supervisor and reviewed by the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability. It will also be reviewed by the Independent Police Auditor.”

The investigation remains ongoing at this time, and additional charges may be filed, the release said.

19 News has requested the body camera footage from Akron Police.

19 News has also requested comment from the legal representatives for Auston