Akron Officer Named Officer of the Month After September Chase Near Circle K

AKRON, Ohio: An Akron police officer who pursued a teen suspect after a shooting outside a Circle K on West Market Street has been named the department's Officer of the Month for September.

Akron police said Officer Samuel Meszaros was dispatched at 7:34 p.m. on Sept. 23 to reports of multiple shots fired outside the Circle K at 440 West Market Street. While driving to the scene, he spotted two juveniles in the parking lot of Towpath Trail High School who matched suspect descriptions.

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

Officers learned that two people wounded in the Circle K shooting were taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Information on their conditions was not released. Police leaders said Meszaros's actions reflect the department's commitment to protecting life, enforcing the law and promoting public safety.