Akron police have reported that a 12-year-old boy was found unresponsive last Saturday afternoon and later pronounced dead, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old man on charges of felony child endangering. Officers responded to a call concerning cardiac arrest in the 100 block of South Balch Street around 2:30 p.m., as detailed in a WKYC report.
Emergency services arrived to quickly find the child unresponsive, thereafter rushing him to Akron Children's Hospital, where his death was confirmed. The preliminary investigation by Akron Police suggested that foul play was involved. Both FOX8 and Cleveland19 confirmed this. The suspect, Anthony McCants, who police say is known to the victim's family, was to be arraigned in Akron Municipal Court this morning.
As the investigation continues, Akron police keep a tight lid on further details about the case. However, what's clear is the shock wave this event has sent across the Akron community, as an evident struggle to reconcile with such a tragedy within the intimate circles of family and acquaintances becomes the narrative. Police have not released the name of the deceased boy, respecting the family during this difficult time.
The Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in shedding light on the circumstances leading to the untimely death of the young boy. They can be contacted at the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or through a TIP line at 330-375-2Tip. Community members are asked to actively share any relevant information that might help to piece together this disturbing puzzle and potentially offer some measure of justice and closure.
