An Akron, Ohio school resource officer has been placed on administrative duty after he was caught on video punching a high school student in the head. The incident occurred at Firestone Community Learning Center when the 16-year-old student bypassed the metal detector and triggered its alarm. The officer, a member of the Akron Police Department, punched the student multiple times before he was taken to the ground in front of other students and staff. No weapon was found on the student, who was initially charged with resisting arrest, obstructing official business, and criminal trespassing. However, those charges were dismissed while a use-of-force investigation is conducted.
The school principal and the officer tried to get the student to go through the metal detector again, but the student resisted, resulting in a physical altercation. The officer punched the student three times in the head before they were able to hold him down. The officer’s actions were deemed unacceptable by the school district, and they have requested his permanent removal from all school duties. The student’s family has retained legal representation and plans to hold a news conference in the future.
Akron Public Schools and city officials have expressed serious concerns about the incident, with the city in the process of finding a new school resource officer. Meanwhile, the superintendent of Akron Public Schools has emphasized the importance of upholding accountability and ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff in light of this incident.
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