Akron orders 10 p.m. downtown curfew
The city of Akron has issued another curfew for the downtown area from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. due to ongoing protests over the fatal police shooting of Jayland Walker.
In an interview Thursday with Beacon Journal news partner News 5 Cleveland, Akron Police Chief Steven Mylett said the new curfew was prompted in part by an FBI intelligence bulletin that indicated a "group of potential violent extremists was encouraged to operate covertly in the crowds during protests."
This curfew will remain in effect until another order has been issued lifting the curfew, according to the city.
An earlier 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for Monday and Tuesday was dropped by Mayor Dan Horrigan on Wednesday.
The affected area remains the same and is bordered at state Route 59, from Perkins Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard; Interstates 76 and 77, and state Route 8.
Protests continue in wake of police shooting
Protests have continued for more than a week since the June 27 shooting of Walker by eight Akron officers.
Seven more people were arrested on Wednesday night and early Thursday, including one man seen on video resisting arrest and being punched by an Akron officer. Police said people were blocking traffic and refused to leave.
Downtown businesses reported about 100 broken windows Monday after police dispersed protesters the night before, prompting the first curfew order.
Several organizing groups in Akron released a comprehensive list of police demands during a press conference Thursday morning while alleging police are not allowing peaceful protests.
Later that night, Akron police monitored a motor caravan carrying protesters across town after dozens of demonstrators carried out a peaceful protest outside the Ellet home of Charles Brown, the city's deputy mayor for public safety and a former assistant chief of police.
The Thursday evening protest occurred beyond the bounds of the downtown curfew zone. Demonstrations have focused on police headquarters at the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center on South High Street.
Protester Franklin Ragsdale joined a group of around 50 people outside Brown's home.
"We met up here in front of his house because this is a charge against every city official that doesn't do everything in their power to release the officers' names, relieve them from their jobs without pay," Ragsdale said. "I'm a paying citizen, and I shouldn't be paying for officers who should not be officers any longer."
As many as 50 vehicles formed a procession from Ellet to the headquarters of activist group The Freedom BLOC on West Exchange Street. Participants flashed their hazard lights, sounded horns and proceeded through stoplights. Some drivers taking part were seen acting as security escorts along the drive to West Akron, using their vehicles to block oncoming traffic at busier intersections.
About 12 police followed the caravan, and officers arrested an individual whom protesters said was providing security after the group reached the organization's office.
Rubberducks adjust games, Lock 3 concerts moved to Goodyear Theatre
As a result of the curfew, concerts scheduled on the Lock 3 stage for Friday and Saturday were moved to Goodyear Theatre at 1201 E. Market St.
The Akron Rubberducks also adjusted the start times of Friday and Saturday games to ensure fans will not run afoul of the downtown curfew.
The start of Saturday's game against the Altonna Curve has been moved up to 6:05 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.
“The safety of our fans is our top priority and we are working closely with the city of Akron to proactively move our game times up to be completed prior to the curfew,” said Akron Rubberducks General Manager and COO Jim Pfander in a statement. “We look forward to seeing our fans at the ballpark this weekend and thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”
Planned fireworks displays after both the Friday and Saturday games have been canceled at Canal Park.
For more information, visit https://www.milb.com/akron.
Akron curfew exceptions
Those excepted from the curfew restrictions include:
● All law enforcement, fire and medical personnel and members of the news media, as well as other personnel authorized by the city, and the state, or individuals otherwise exempt under the law.
● People traveling directly between their place of work and their residence.
● Those traveling to seek medical care.
● Anyone fleeing from dangerous circumstances.
Akron road closures
The city said High Street from Bowery Street to University Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.