An Akron, Ohio school resource officer was placed on administrative duty after a video showed him punching a high school student in the head at least three times. The incident occurred after the student bypassed the school’s metal detector and was found to have a cellphone, which is against school rules. The officer’s actions were deemed unacceptable and the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to dismiss charges against the student while a use of force investigation is conducted.
The police officer involved in the incident stated that he was trying to prevent the student from entering the school after the metal detector alarm sounded. He claimed that the student did not listen and attempted to pass him, resulting in a struggle between the officers and the student. The officer then punched the student three times in the head with a closed fist.
The Akron Public School District expressed serious concerns about the incident and requested the officer involved be permanently removed from school duties. The family of the student has retained legal representation and plans to hold a news conference. The incident has raised questions about the proper procedures for handling arrests and the treatment of individuals by law enforcement in Akron. The city is in the process of finding a new school resource officer to replace the one involved in the incident.
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