Byron Johnson Arrested; – A 28-year-old man has been apprehended by Akron police in connection with the homicide of a man in Firestone Park on Thursday morning, as stated in a news release.
Authorities responded to reports of a shooting at a residence located in the 100 block of East Wilbeth Road around 12:05 a.m. Upon their arrival, they found a 32-year-old male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:45 a.m. The medical examiner’s office indicated that the victim’s identity will be disclosed once confirmed.
Following an initial investigation, officers established that the victim was present at the residence with the suspect, Byron Johnson, 28, and at least one other male. During the encounter, Johnson allegedly shot the victim, after which both men fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, according to police reports. The vehicle was subsequently traced to a residence in the 1000 block of Silvercrest Avenue.
Upon arrival at Silvercrest, Johnson reportedly forced entry into a home, where he assaulted a 65-year-old resident by striking her multiple times before stealing an undisclosed sum of money. According to the police report, Johnson and the victim were acquainted.
The injured resident was transported to Barberton Hospital, where she is receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. After departing from Silvercrest, Johnson was tracked to an address in the 500 block of Storer Avenue, where he barricaded himself inside.
Police reported that shortly thereafter, a 47-year-old resident of the home, a 20-year-old male, and a 1-year-old child were safely escorted out, leaving Johnson inside. With the assistance of SWAT, Akron police were able to apprehend Johnson.
Authorities stated that after initially attempting to escape through a window, Johnson was taken into custody without further incident. He faces charges of murder related to the fatal shooting, as well as aggravated burglary, felonious assault, and motor vehicle theft in connection with the crimes committed on Silvercrest Avenue. Johnson was subsequently booked into the Summit County Jail.
