SUSPECT WANTED FOR HIGHLAND SQUARE HOMICIDE ARRESTED

Akron, Ohio – Early this morning, members of the United States Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), along with members of the Akron Police Department (APD) arrested Deshawn Stafford, 24.

Stafford was wanted by the Akron Police Department for murder, felonious assault, having a weapon while under disability, and discharging a firearm on a public roadway. Stafford is a suspect in the deadly shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 5 in Highland Square. Timothy Hutchinson, the 25-year-old victim from Wooster, was caught in the crossfire of two shooters. Hutchinson was shot in the head during the incident.

Akron Police Detectives worked diligently to identify those involved in the incident and two days ago warrants were issued for the arrest of Stafford. Early this morning, members of the NOVFTF and Akron Police were able to locate Stafford in a home in the 200 block of Crosby St. in Akron. Stafford was taken into custody inside the residence after he initially refused to open the door to the officers on scene.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “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.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous. Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies: The United States Marshals Service, Akron Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Bath Township Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Fairlawn Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Kent Police Department, New Franklin Police Department, Norton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Reminderville Police Department, Tallmadge Police Department, United States Secret Service, University of Akron Police Department, Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.