The Akron Police Department is seeking assistance from the community in identifying a suspect involved in an aggravated robbery, which took place following an arrangement on Facebook Marketplace to sell a dirt bike. According to a social media post by the Akron Police Department, the incident occurred in the 500 block of Marview Ave. when the seller brought his yellow 2006 Suzuki RM85 2-stroke dirt bike to the supposed buyer.
During the inspection of the vehicle, the suspect gave the impression of being armed by reaching into his sweatshirt, and subsequently he escaped with the dirt bike heading north on Marview—the victim, in a bid to recover his property, chased the suspect by car but lost sight of him around Patterson Ave. and York St. The narrative of this crime unfolds as yet another cautionary exposition of digital marketplace dealings gone awry, the department has issued a plea for public intervention, reiterating the power of community vigilance in the face of such brazen lawlessness.
Residents with any knowledge pertaining to the robbery or the identity of the suspect can contact Detective J. Berdysz at 330-375-2490, the APD Tip Line at 330-375-2TIP, or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS (2677). Anonymous tips can also be submitted by texting TIPSCO, followed by the tip information, to 274637 (CRIMES) and via the Akron PD app or website, which provides a Tips411 service for confidential reporting.
Those who prefer the digital route of communication can download the Akron PD app, where information can be submitted directly, however, the police department advises that personal information such as names, email addresses, telephone numbers, or mailing addresses not be posted publicly in comments but sent through private messaging to ensure privacy and security, if encountering the suspect, residents are cautioned not to approach and to call 911 immediately.
