A man in Akron, Ohio, barricaded himself inside a building for over four hours after assaulting a woman he knew. Police used tear gas and a specialized vehicle to breach the building and apprehend the suspect.
Akron police reported a chaotic incident in the Highland Square neighborhood on Monday involving a man identified as Thomas Blanton, 37. Blanton allegedly brutally attacked a woman he knew around 2:40 a.m. outside a Highland Square business on West Market Street. The woman sustained multiple serious facial injuries from being punched repeatedly by Blanton, according to Captain Michael Miller.
After the assault, Blanton barricaded himself inside a former barber shop on the first floor of a building on Highland Avenue. This forced a couple living in an apartment above the barber shop to evacuate their home. Police surrounded the building and attempted to negotiate with Blanton for several hours. Around 5 a.m., SWAT team members urged the couple to leave their apartment due to the possibility of tear gas being deployed. The couple evacuated and watched as the police continued their efforts to resolve the standoff. After hours of negotiation, police used tear gas and breached the front door. Blanton attempted to escape through the back door but was ultimately apprehended after a struggle in which officers disarmed him.Blanton was transported to a hospital for his injuries and is facing multiple charges, including felony strangulation, domestic violence, and felonious assault. The victim, who suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, was treated at an area hospital. Police confirmed that Blanton was previously involved in a similar standoff with Akron police in 2015, where he barricaded himself inside an apartment for nearly seven hours before surrendering peacefully. Following his arrest on Monday, Blanton was taken to jail to await trial.
AKRON POLICE BARRICADE STANDOFF ASSAULT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TEARGAS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Posters Calling for Akron Superintendent's Expulsion Spotted DowntownDerogatory posters demanding the removal of Akron superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson have appeared in downtown Akron. Akron Public Schools condemned the posters, stating they are offensive, unproductive, and may constitute defacement. The Akron Police Department is investigating the incident. The Akron Board of Education declined to comment until the investigation into Robinson is complete.
Read more »
Armed Man Leads Police on Foot Chase, Barricades Himself in ApartmentAn armed man led Fort Worth police on a foot chase after pointing a weapon at a witness and demanding the leasing office call 911. The man barricaded himself in an apartment, where he was later taken into custody. No injuries were reported, and police recovered a gun and a rifle from the scene.
Read more »
Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Akron teenThe Summit County Prosecutor said the man is expected to plead guilty in another separate murder case
Read more »
Man sentenced to jail for rape of a child in Akron29-year-old Sher Bhujel has been sentenced to 7 to 10 1/2 years in prison for the rape of a child under the age of 15.
Read more »
Akron Bicentennial Wellness Challenge Encourages Community HealthThe Akron Bicentennial Wellness Challenge, a collaborative initiative between the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation and the Akron Bicentennial Commission, invites community members to focus on their health and wellness throughout the year celebrating Akron's 200th anniversary. Participants aim to complete 200 wellness activities, such as walking, running, or strength training, before December 6, 2025. Those who reach the goal will receive a commemorative pin.
Read more »
Woman barricades herself for 27 hours after charging at officers in Daly CityA woman in Daly City was taken into custody Sunday night after barricading herself inside her home for over 27 hours. The incident began Saturday evening when police responded to a domestic disturbance and the woman allegedly charged at officers with a kitchen knife.
Read more »