Tuesday, 23 August 2016 16:13

UPDATE Medina Most Wanted Nabbed

The Medina man who topped the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force list is back behind bars -- after a brief taste of freedom. The U.S. Marshal's office reported Brooks Howard was taken into custody without incident at a home on Puritas Avenue in Cleveland, not far from MetroHealth Hospital where he'd been getting treatment for injuries after jumping off a third story building trying to evade police with a warrant.

Howards was wanted for bond violations on gross sexual imposition and importuning charges; he violated the terms of the bond after an arrest for domestic violence.

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(U.S. Marshals Office) Today at approximately 12:00pm the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Brooks Howard, 33. Howard was wanted by the Medina County Sheriff's Office for bond violations and by the Medina Police Department for obstruction of justice. 

Howard was out on bond for two counts of gross sexual imposition and one count of importuning, earlier in the month he violated the terms of his bond when he was arrested for domestic violence. On Saturday, when officers attempted to arrest Howard he jumped off of a third story building in an attempt to evade police. He was eventually apprehended and taken to the hospital due to injuries he sustained while fleeing. Sunday afternoon, Howard ran again in a further attempt to avoid the charges against him.

Both the Akron and Cleveland Divisions of the Fugitive Task Force worked tirelessly over the past two days trying to locate the fugitive. Howard was quickly featured as the Fugitive of the Week and his face was posted on the Lamar billboards across northeast Ohio. This morning, information was gathered that Howard was hiding in a home in Cleveland. Members of the task force made contact with Howard as he was attempting to hide in a home in the 13900 block of Puritas Ave. 

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott added, "Quick teamwork amongst the divisions of our task force quickly brought this dangerous predator back into custody."

Tuesday, 23 August 2016 11:58

Day Two: One Woman's Journey

Addiction is more than a community problem; it's also a dire issue for the individual who knows they are spiraling out of control and need help gaining control back of their lives.

Erin Helms is a recovering addict who's taken what she's learned from her own personal journey to help others with treatment of alcohol and opiate addiction. She manages The Woodrow Project Erin Helms Recovery Home in Lakewood, Ohio.

Helms says her physician helped her get into a treatment center, where professional help took care of her. She went from in-patient, to out-patient then to aftercare in 2008 but recognizes many treatment centers are filled to the brim today, with waits of weeks or months.

The program she runs now helps women with support, something lacking for many people battling addiction now in northeast Ohio. She says it's a long-term problem and not just a 28-day recovery process.

"I got to a place where I just couldn't feel anymore," she said.

Helms says her journey started after an auto accident, and a pain prescription of Vicodin. She says the prescription eventually ran out, but by then she was hooked and went to the streets to purchase what she needed.

'It's in everybody's best interests to help people in need, so they can rejoin the world again," Helms told WAKR's Ray Horner. She credited the support of her family and the professionals who were there for her when she needed them.

Tuesday, 23 August 2016 08:39

Medina Man Makes Most Wanted List

This week's most wanted from the U.S. Marshal's Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force comes from Medina.

Police are looking for 33-year old Brooks Howard, wanted for violating bond and obstruction of justice. He escaped from custody from Metro Hospital in Cleveland over the weekend after an arrest for gross sexual imposition went bad, then left the hospital and was last seen in the neighborhood of the Cleveland hospital. Police believe he could be staying with family or friends in the Medina and Wooster areas.

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(U.S. Marshals Office) The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for informationwhich would lead to the capture of fugitive Brooks Howard. Howard is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Medina County Sheriff and the Medina Police Department for bond violations and obstruction of justice.

On Saturday evening, officers attempted to arrests Howard for violating the terms of his bond. Howard was originally on bond out of Medina County, where he was charged with two counts of gross sexual imposition and one count of importuning, Howard fled from officers. Howard was later apprehended and taken to Metro Hospital in Cleveland for his injuries sustained during his escape attempt. 

Sometime Sunday afternoon Howard left the hospital and has been in hiding since. Howard is a 33 year old white male standing approximately 5'11" and weighing 165 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Howard was last seen near Metro Health Hospital on West 25th St. in Cleveland, but most of his friend and family are living in the Medina and Wooster areas.

Tuesday, 23 August 2016 07:57

Cops Look For Escaped Inmate

Summit County deputies are looking for some help finding one of two inmates who took off from the Glenwood Jail before the weekend. Sheriff's deputies say 26-year old Jason Shockley is still on the lam; 24-year old Daniel Perkins of Akron was picked up and faces escape charges. Both took off while helping load a truck on Friday while working as trustees.

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(Summit County Sheriff) On Friday August 19, at approximately 3:45 p.m., two inmates escaped from the Glenwood Jail. The two inmates posed as trustees and assisted in carrying trays out to a van in the parking lot of the facility. When the inmates got to the van, they dropped the trays and ran toward Howard Street. The deputies on scene secured the other inmates and notified additional Sheriff's Office personnel.

The fleeing inmates were identified as Jason Shockley and Daniel Perkins. 

The Summit County Sheriff's Office dispatched deputies from the jail in an attempt to locate the inmates. Surrounding law enforcement agencies were also notified of the incident. 

Daniel Perkins, age 24 of Akron, was located and arrested for Escape. At this time, Jason Shockley, age 26 of Akron remains at large. 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Shockley should contact the Summit County Sheriff's Office at 330­643­2181.

Tuesday, 23 August 2016 05:39

UA Attack Blamed On Race

Seven young men -- between the ages of 18 and 25 -- arrested after a racially-tinged attack in the wee hours of the morning near the University of Akron campus.

Police say seven white males were walking along Carroll and Goodkirk when they were attacked and robbed by a group shouting "Black Lives Matter." Five of the attacking group were black, two were white. One victim was kicked in the head until he was unconscious.

All seven of the arrested are in the Summit County Jail on a variety of charges, including riot and assault.

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(APD)  Around 12:30 am Sunday morning, seven white males were walking in the area of Carroll Street and Goodkirk Street. While the males were walking, they were approached by five black males and two white males, shouting "Black Lives Matter" who then attacked the white males with bottles.

The suspected then started punching and kicking the victims. One victim fell to the ground and was kicked in the ehad several times before losing consciousness. The suspects then took the victims' belongings before fleeing on foot.

Responsing officers from the Akron Police Departement and University of Akron located the suspects nearby. Officers arrested:

Anthony M. Valasek, 18, of Walbroow Street NW in Canton, was charged with riot, felonious assault and robbery.

Raejon W. Williams, 18, of 6th Street SW in Canton, was charged with riot, receiving stolen property and assault.

Jessie L. Butler, 19, of Clarendon Avenue SW in Canton, was charged with riot and assault.

James C. Vance, 22, of 13th Street NE in Canton, was charged with riot, assault and receiving stolen property.

Shane R. Thompson, 20, of 28th Street in Canton, was charged with riot and assault.

Bret D. Young, 25, of 3rd Street NE in Canton, was charged with felonious assault, riot and robbery.

Jordan M. McCrae, 22, of Bromo Court SE in Canton, was charged with riot.

They were all booked into Summit County Jail.  

Monday, 22 August 2016 17:23

Ravenna Man Left In Critical Condition

Ravenna police are trying to determine what happened to a 33-year old man found unconscious in the road early Sunday morning.

Witnesses say Darren Difiore of Ravenna had been a patron in the nearby East Main Saloon that evening; he was found behind the tavern on East Main Street with head injuries. He was transfered by a life-flight chopper to a Cleveland hospital with his injuries and is listed as critical.

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(Ravenna PD) On August 21st, 2016 at 2:31AM, Sunday morning, Ravenna Police Department officers responded to the area of 130 E Main St, at the rear of the East Main Saloon in Ravenna, for a reported male subject lying in the roadway, on Maple Lane.

Officers located 33 year old Darren Difiore of Ravenna, unconscious and
bleeding from head injuries. EMS transported Difiore to University Hospitals
Portage Medical Center. Difiore was later transferred to a hospital in Cleveland by medical helicopter. Difiore's condition is listed as critical.

Officers made contact with several persons in the area. Witnesses could not
provide any information regarding Difiore's injuries, only stating they had left East Main Saloon at closing time and discovered Difiore in the roadway.

Difiore was believed to have been a patron in East Main Saloon earlier in the evening. This investigation continues.

Monday, 22 August 2016 14:44

Watson Indicted For Falls Crash Spree

The Akron man who went on a wild bumper car spree and made threats against Cuyahoga Falls police -- leaving one patrolman fighting to recover to return to the job after a crash trapped him in his crusier -- is now indicted.

46-year old Donald Watson of Cutler Parkway faces multiple charges including attempted murder, assault and arson for the July 23rd attack on cars parked in the Falls police lot, then ramming into a cruiser driven by Patrolman Ted Davis. Davis spent a week in the hospital; both men needed medical treatment.

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(Summit Prosecutor) Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that a Summit County Grand Jury has indicted Donald Watson, 46, of Cutler Parkway in Akron, for an incident which resulted in a Cuyahoga Falls police officer being severely injured.

Watson was indicted on the following charges:

Attempted Murder – a felony of the 1st degree
Two counts of Felonious Assault – felonies of the 1st degree
Aggravated Arson – a felony of the 2nd degree
Failure to Comply with Order of a Police Officer – a felony of the 3rd degree
Vandalism – a felony of the 4th degree
Criminal Damaging or Endangering – a misdemeanor of the 1st degree

Mr. Watson is accused of driving into several vehicles, as well as a number of Cuyahoga Falls police cruisers parked police department's parking lot in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 23, 2016. Cuyahoga Falls police officers pursued the suspect through city streets. The suspect vehicle, travelling at high speeds east on Broad Boulevard, crossed over into the westbound lanes and slammed into a Cuyahoga Falls police cruiser driven by Officer Theodore Davis. The driver of the suspect vehicle, Donald Watson, was arrested.

Officer Davis was trapped inside his police cruiser and suffered significant injuries. The 11-year veteran of the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department also spent nearly a week in the hospital.

Watson is also accused of starting a fire at his Akron home.

Donald Watson is scheduled to be arraigned in Summit County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 8am.

Friday, 19 August 2016 19:43

Urban League Named New CEO

The Akron Urban League has named the former head of Greater Cleveland's YWCA to fill the top job at the agency. Sadie Winlock's experience includes non-profits, her own consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. and extensive experience with Allstate in five states.

The local agency's board removed CEO Fred Wright last October saying it wanted to move "in a different direction." Wright ws in Akron four years, after leading Lorain County's Urban League for nine years. Wright sued the agency in December 2015 over his severance package. The lawsuit was settled out of court in May 2016, according to Summit County court documents.

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(Akron Urban League) Following a national search, the Board of Trustees of the Akron Urban League has appointed Sadie Winlock D. Mgmt., MBA as President and CEO.

With more than 30 years of leadership experience in the profit, not-for profit and small business sectors, Ms. Winlock brings exceptional skills to reshape and deliver a successful strategy, engaging employees, the corporate community, funders and citizens to achieve the mission and vision of the Akron Urban League.

"She is known for her business acumen, organizational and people development and plan execution," says Larry Chadwick, Akron Urban League Board Chair and Interim President & CEO. "We believe she will bring all of her talents and skills to the organization, driving the Akron Urban League into its future to ensure the empowerment of people to live a quality life."

"The Akron Urban League should be a major catalyst for all programs and services that support individuals and families in the Greater Akron area. We should serve to educate and engage the corporate community on how to best partner with us, playing a significant role in improving the quality of life of its citizens and allowing them to become significant contributors to the economy." said Ms. Winlock. "Our funders should feel confident that their financial support is serving the mission and vision they believe in, and the members of the community should know who we are, how we serve them, and see us as a helpmate to becoming their best. It is my goal to lead the Akron Urban League to achieve this brand and deliver exceptional services to all stakeholders."

"Her experience in managing and developing staff, fundraising, program development and strategic planning, positions her for success in her new role", says Chadwick. Winlock has held several senior executive leadership roles with Allstate Insurance Company, leading leaders in five states (North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio), in this capacity she has played a significant role in the achievement of regional goals.

Upon early retirement from Allstate, Ms. Winlock developed a business-consulting firm, which allowed her to serve clients locally and in Washington, DC. Partnering with a DC organization to manage federal contracts with the DC Chamber of Commerce, Army National Guard and other federal agencies, she and her team of consultants served to support improvements in processes, programs and communications.

In her last role as Chief Operating Officer at the YWCA Greater Cleveland, she successfully augmented the agency's strategic plan, recruited and hired specialists to enhance services, managed corporate and individual donor fundraising, and adopted a program that enhanced the focus of the agency on their mission of "eliminating racism" called "It's Time to Talk." This and other programs increased participation from both clients and funders.

Ms. Winlock holds a bachelor's in English from North Carolina Central University, an MBA from Myers University, and a Doctorate in Management from the University of Phoenix.

Thursday, 18 August 2016 10:01

HOF Sweetens Scrapped Game Refunds

The Pro Football Hall of Fame extending out it's refund offer from the scrapped Hall of Fame game -- and now it includes hotel fees based on review. The updated policy significantly sweetens the payoff for fans stiffed when the game was canceled because of concerns over the safety of players on the field.

In addition to face value reimbursement of tickets, all fees, pre-paid parking and reservation fees and one night of hotel are now added subject to "review, approval and verification."

Reimbursed fans will also get souvenir goodies and first place in line for a future Hall of Fame game over the next five years.

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(Pro Football Hall of Fame) Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker announced today that the Board of Trustees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit institution, approved a special reimbursement plan for all ticketholders to the 2016 Hall of Fame Game. Notwithstanding the language on the tickets, ticketholders will be fully refunded the face-value of their ticket. Additionally, the Hall of Fame will refund all processing, shipping and handling fees, pre-paid parking purchased through the Hall of Fame, pre-sale reservation fees, and one night of hotel accommodations to eligible fans, subject to appropriate review, approval, and verification.

Baker stated:

"The Hall of Fame game is our event. We sincerely regret disappointing fans but we believe that cancelling the game was the right thing to do. Respect for players and their safety must always come first, especially by the Hall of Fame. We endeavored to handle, to the best of our ability, these difficult circumstances in the right way. Our focus was on the safety of the players and the best and safest way to communicate the decision to fans, teams, league and the media representatives.

We take full responsibility for what occurred at the game. We are doing what is right for our fans. We will learn from this experience so something like this never happens again."

In addition to the increased reimbursements, the Hall of Fame announced it will also provide to ticketholders:

- four admission tickets to the museum to be used once any time during the next five years;

- a commemorative photo of the Hall of Fame Class of 2016 along with their fellow Hall of Fame members taken on the front steps of the museum;

- a copy of the 2016-17 Pro Football Hall of Fame Yearbook;

- the right, before the general public, to purchase a ticket for a future Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony or Pro Football Hall of Fame Game for one year in any of the next five years;

and

- a 30 percent discount for the purchase of any merchandise from the museum's online store.

Full information and details about how to take advantage of the reimbursement plan will be forthcoming and will be shared via the Hall's website at www.profootballhof.com/GameRefund or by phone at 844-4HOFTIX (844-446-3849).

(UPDATE 3:37 PM 8/16/16) A missing adult alert from Cuyahoga Falls police issued last night has now been CANCELLED.

77-year old James Rausch was last seen Monday afternoon in Munroe Falls in a silver 2014 Honda Accord with South Carolina plates; he is a resident of that state visiting the area.

Cuyahoga Falls police say Rausch was found safe.

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(Previous coverage) A Missing Adult Alert from Cuyahoga Falls police remains active since being issued Monday afternoon. 77-year old James Rausch was last seen in Munroe Falls and may be traveling in a silver 2014 Honda Accord with South Carolina plates LQI661. He is a resident of that state visiting the area.

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(Cuyahoga Falls PD) A Missing Adult Alert has been issued by the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department statewide.

Information as of: August 15, 2016 at 7:50 PM

Be on the lookout for a missing adult. On August 15, 2016 at 4:00 PM, Mr. Rausch left the area and has not been seen since.

The incident took place in Summit County, OH On Main Street in the city of Munroe Falls.

The adult's name is James Peter Rausch and the individual is missing. The adult is a White male, age 77, is 6' 0" tall, weighs 185 lbs., and has white hair and brown eyes. Mr. Rausch lives in South Carolina and is visiting the Munroe Falls area in Ohio. He is missing one eye and was last seen wearing an aqua button up shirt, blue jeans, white socks and brown shoes. He suffers with Alzheimer's and may be in need of medication.

The vehicle involved is a silver 2014 Honda Accord with SC plate number LQI661. 

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