An Ohio officer has been placed on administrative leave while officials review a use-of-force incident that occurred in Akron on November 11. Authorities say the matter is undergoing a full evaluation to determine the sequence of events and whether departmental procedures were followed.
In a statement released Tuesday, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik emphasized the importance of transparency, noting that any situation involving serious injury during a police encounter requires careful examination. The mayor stated that the city is committed to understanding what happened and identifying areas for improvement.
According to the Akron Police Department, the incident began after multiple 911 calls reported a disturbance involving an individual outside a local business. When an officer arrived at approximately 9:14 p.m., he encountered a man on the sidewalk and issued repeated verbal instructions. Body-worn camera footage, released by the department, shows the officer giving commands as the situation quickly unfolded.
Officials later stated that initial reports suggested the individual may have been armed, but current information indicates he did not have a weapon on him at the time of the encounter. The man was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and remains under medical care, according to local media.
The officer involved, who has approximately four years of service, is currently on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy. Additional responding officers provided aid at the scene before paramedics arrived.
Mayor Malik acknowledged community concerns and noted that while he respects the work of Akron’s officers, the city is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and ongoing improvement. Police Chief Brian Harding echoed this sentiment, stating that challenging situations can arise quickly and that continued training and policy evaluation are essential.
The department noted that officers are in the final weeks of a specialized de-escalation training program focused on communication, assessment, and tactics. Officials said this training reinforces the commitment to handling complex interactions as safely as possible.
The man involved in the incident was identified by family as 36-year-old Corey Phillips, who remains hospitalized. Relatives have expressed concern and are seeking more information about the encounter, describing his recovery as significant and ongoing.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the independent review. Once completed, findings will be forwarded to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for assessment and then to the Summit County Grand Jury for further evaluation.
Authorities state that additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
