Crime
21-year-old injured in shooting near Patterson Park in Akron
Authorities in Akron are investigating a shooting that left a 21-year-old man injured Sunday afternoon near Patterson Park.
According to a statement from the Akron Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Lucille Avenue after receiving reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they located the victim lying in a field with apparent gunshot wounds.
Police confirmed the recovery of rifle shell casings at the scene but have not yet released information regarding the victim’s current condition.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots.
One individual, who resides near Pitkin Avenue, stated they heard the shots and immediately called 911.
“I was outside hanging Christmas lights when the shots rang out,” the witness said. “Within three to four minutes, I heard the sirens approaching.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released information about potential suspects or a motive at this time.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Akron Police Department. Tips can also be provided anonymously through the Summit County Crime Stoppers at 330-434-COPS (2677).
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.