Akron police are asking residents to help them track down a man accused of robbing the Circle K on West Market Street at gunpoint over the weekend.
According to officers, the suspect walked into the store on Saturday, pulled a handgun, and demanded cash before taking off with an undisclosed amount of money. Police say the man should be considered armed and dangerous and are urging anyone who spots him to keep their distance and call authorities instead of intervening.
In a public appeal on social media, the Akron Police Department identified the investigation as case number 26-79513 and named Detective T. Kelley as the lead on the case. The post includes several surveillance stills that show the suspect inside the store and asks anyone who recognizes him to call Detective Kelley directly at 330-375-2490 or use one of the department's anonymous tip options.
Where the robbery occurred
The holdup happened at the Circle K located at 1985 W Market St in Akron, matching the storefront seen in the police surveillance images. The address is listed for the West Market Street store on Circle K's online store locator.
How to pass tips to detectives
Police say tips can be sent straight to Detective T. Kelley at 330-375-2490, or through the Akron Police Department tip line at 330-375-2TIP. Summit County Crimestoppers is also taking information at 330-434-COPS. Tipsters can text TIPSCO to 274637, use the anonymous Tips411 feature in the Akron PD app, or submit through the web form at AkronCops.org, according to WOIO.
Police using social posts to crowdsource leads
Akron police have been leaning more on social media to crowdsource leads, regularly posting surveillance clips and images when they need the public's eyes. In this case, the department again reminded residents that anyone who thinks they recognize a suspect should “do not approach; call 911,” according to the Akron Police Department post. A similar APD appeal last month highlighted how quickly cases can gain traction when neighbors start sharing posts and sending in tips.
As of Monday, police had not announced any arrests in the Circle K robbery. Investigators are urging anyone with information to use the phone numbers and tip tools provided and to call 911 immediately if they see the suspect. They are also asking residents to skip the online speculation and refrain from posting unverified accusations, and instead route potential leads through the official channels.
