Authorities confirmed the arrest of Deshawn Stafford, 24, early this morning, a suspect connected to the Highland Square homicide earlier this month. Stafford was wanted on multiple charges, including murder, felonious assault, firearm possession under disability, and discharging a firearm on a roadway. According to a press release from the U.S. Marshals Service, the arrest marked the culmination of efforts by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Akron Police Department.
In a tragedy that struck Highland Square, Timothy Hutchinson, 25 years old from Wooster, found himself inadvertently in the middle of a gunfire exchange between two individuals and was fatally shot in the head. After an intensive investigation, Akron detectives identified Stafford and, two days prior, issued a warrant for his capture. Working with the marshals, the police located Stafford at a residence on Crosby St. in Akron, where he was apprehended after refusing, initially, to open the door to law enforcement.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott offered a statement highlighting the broader implications of the case, "The tragic death of Timothy Hutchinson is a terrible reminder the danger and devastation illegal firearms in the hands of criminals bring to a community. We are grateful for the dedicated and diligent work of the Akron Police Department in investigating this case and bringing these criminals to justice." This sentiment underscored a shared resolve among law enforcement agencies to address the scourge of gun violence.
The public is encouraged by the authorities to help ensure justice by sharing any pertinent information regarding further fugitives. Informants may contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or submit a tip online, with the possibility of a reward and the option to remain anonymous. Following the arrest, the task force that found Stafford when he was arrested inside the residence after initially refusing to open the door is comprised of various agencies, including federal, state, and local law enforcement, and is shared by the U.S. Marshals—evidence of wide-reaching collaboration in the fight against violence.
