Akron, Ohio (APD / News Release) — On Saturday, July 1st, 2023, just before 7:00 p.m., Akron Police officers performed a registration check on a vehicle that possessed a temporary tag. The report back was that the plate was expired and warrants for 31-year-old Jordan Ely Sr. were linked to it. The officers confirmed that the warrants were still active, but momentarily lost sight of the vehicle. Eventually, they located the car in the parking lot of Family Dollar, located at 970 Copley Rd, with the driver standing next to it.
As the officers approached the vehicle and got out of their cruiser, the driver, identified as Jordan Ely Sr., reached towards the open car door and then started to turn away as one of the officers tried to grab his left arm to prevent him from fleeing. Ely began to backpedal as the officers tried to gain control over him. In the midst of the struggle, one officer grabbed Ely by the waist and brought him down to the ground.
While attempting to handcuff Ely, the officers repeatedly commanded him to put his hands behind his back and to stop resisting. However, Ely did not comply, and the officers continued to try to separate his hands in order to safely handcuff him. Videos captured by witnesses at the scene show the officers struggling with Ely, with one officer appearing to strike him in the face multiple times. Once Ely was finally handcuffed, he was moved to a seated position, and emergency medical services were called to the scene for evaluation.
During the course of the arrest, one of the officers discovered that there was a small child inside the vehicle. The child, identified as Ely’s 1-year-old son, was safely released into the custody of the boy’s mother. Additionally, officers found a baggie containing a powder that tested positive for Fentanyl inside the vehicle. It was later revealed that Ely had warrants for felony drug possession, domestic violence, and contempt of court for various other charges. In addition to those warrants, Ely was charged with Obstructing Official Business, Resisting Arrest, and felony possession of drugs.
The release of bodycam footage related to this incident has generated significant attention on social media. The footage has sparked debates about police use of force and whether the officers’ actions were justified. It is important to note that the bodycam footage provides a limited perspective of the entire incident, as it does not capture the moments leading up to the struggle between Ely and the officers. The Akron Police Department is currently conducting an internal investigation to determine if the officers followed proper procedures and if any disciplinary actions are warranted.
Law enforcement officers are often faced with challenging and dynamic situations that require split-second decisions. Their role is to enforce the law and ensure public safety, which can sometimes involve the use of force. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting the public and respecting individuals’ rights and well-being.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on police accountability and transparency. Body-worn cameras have become a crucial tool in providing unbiased evidence of interactions between law enforcement officers and the public. They not only provide an impartial record of events but also serve to protect both officers and civilians involved in confrontations.
While the bodycam footage in this case has raised concerns about excessive use of force, it is essential to allow the internal investigation to run its course and consider all available evidence. Both sides of the argument should be carefully examined to ensure a fair and impartial assessment of the officers’ actions.
Moreover, incidents like these can highlight the need for ongoing training and education for law enforcement officers. Training programs should focus on de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and implicit bias awareness. Enhancing officers’ knowledge and skills in these areas can help prevent the escalation of situations and promote safer interactions between law enforcement and the public.
In conclusion, the release of bodycam footage showing Akron police officers involved in a physical struggle with a suspect has sparked a debate about police use of force. The situation, which began with a routine registration check, quickly escalated into a confrontation. The officers’ actions, as captured in the footage, have raised concerns about excessive force. However, it is important to consider all available evidence and allow the internal investigation to determine if the officers followed proper procedures. This incident highlights the need for ongoing training and education for law enforcement officers to prevent the escalation of situations and promote safer interactions with the public.
