Akron Police Officer who chased down teen suspect after Circle-K shooting named Officer of the Month

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - A police officer who chased down a teenage suspect after gunfire erupted outside a convenience store has been named the Akron Police Department’s Officer of the Month for September.

Akron police said Officer Samuel Meszaros responded around 7:34 p.m. on Sept. 23 to reports of multiple shots fired outside a Circle K at 440 West Market Street. While driving to the scene, Meszaros saw two juveniles in the parking lot of Towpath Trail High School who matched descriptions of the suspects, according to the department.

Police said Meszaros ordered both to stop, but a 17-year-old boy ran toward West North Street. During the chase, the teen allegedly threw away a loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine. He recovered the weapon and continued after the suspect, taking him into custody without incident.

Officers learned that two people wounded in the Circle K shooting were taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, police said. Information on their conditions was not immediately released.

Police leaders said those actions reflect the agency’s commitment to protecting life, enforcing the law and promoting public safety, and cited that as the reason for naming Meszaros Officer of the Month.