The Akron police officer already in the center of an internal investigation over the use of force that led to the death of a 15-year-old teen on Thanksgiving 2024 has been placed on paid administrative leave amid a new allegation.
The city of Akron says officer Davon Fields was placed on leave after it was made aware on May 12 of a possible sexual assault that allegedly occurred on May 2.
“We are treating these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” said city spokeswoman Stephanie Marsh.
Marsh said the officer is on paid leave in accordance with department policy and the collective bargaining agreement with the police union.
“While that is a standard procedural step, it should not be interpreted as minimizing the gravity of these allegations,” Marsh said.
The city has asked the Summit County Sheriff’s Office to handle the investigation.
Fields is in the midst of a separate internal investigation into the November 2024 shooting death of Jazmir Tucker near Miller South School for Visual and Performing Arts.
Jazmir was struck three times, including twice in the back, by Fields as he and another Akron officer responded to a report of gunfire in the area.
When officers searched the teen, they found a firearm in his zipped-up coat pocket.
Police later confirmed that shell casings found at the scene matched Jazmir’s gun.
A Summit County grand jury declined to indict Fields in the shooting.
The teen’s family has since filed a lawsuit over the officer-involved shooting.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron officer who shot Jazmir Tucker on leave after sex assault claim
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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