10 arrested in Akron park on weapon, drug charges

AKRON — Police conducted a sweep of a small park on Akron’s east side and arrested 10 people on weapon and drug charges after receiving numerous complaints about criminal activity in the area.

Police reported seizing three firearms, less than an ounce of cocaine and more than 14 ounces of marijuana from the people arrested at Talbot-whitney Park, which is between Talbot and Whitney avenues, just south of Baird Street in East Akron, police said Thursday in a news release.

Lt. Michael Miller said officers in the department's Street Narcotics Uniform Division and the Gun Violence Reduction Team began investigating the park after receiving tips about guns and drug activity.

Officers patrolling the area Monday evening saw a Dodge Charger on Whitney Avenue left idling with the keys in it, according to a police report. The officers reported seeing a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine on the passenger floorboard and two bags of a white substance in the driver's door. Police had the car towed and tested the white substance, which was identified as crack and cocaine, police said.

The task force and other patrol officers conducted a sweep of Talbotwhitney Park around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday. Officers cleared the area of any children or bystanders and arrested 10 people, Miller said.

"After the sweep, many of the area residents were receptive and appreciative of the collaborative efforts to enhancing the safety of children and other citizens using the park," Miller said.

Ward 5 Councilwoman Tara Mosley Samples said keeping parks safe and free of crime is important for residents, especially children.

"In order for our residents to have peace of mind, we must continue to be vigilant in addressing crime in the neighborhoods. When the community comes together, we can change the narrative," Samples said. "This park was meant for the children in that neighborhood, not for drug sales and violence. Hopefully, now the children can play in peace and the residents can sit on their porches and not be in fear. Together, we will make a difference."

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