78-year-old man shot during traffic fight in Akron

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) – A 39-year-old man was arrested following a road rage shooting in Akron Thursday afternoon.

“The victim was shot while inside his own vehicle; The suspect fired multiple shots, one of which struck the victim,” said Akron Police spokesman Cpt. Michael Miller.

Officers responded to the area of East Market and South Arlington Streets around 4:15 p.m. for a shooting.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a 78-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his face.

“The context of this is beyond senseless,” Miller said.

The victim, whose injuries were not life-threatening, was taken to nearby Summa Health Akron City Hospital, police said.

All this because of what Miller calls “a little accident.”

“We came into contact with their mirrors by accident,” Miller said. “It certainly didn’t have to result in someone nearly losing their life.”

Miller said one of the cars was in the bike lane and was trying to merge into traffic when contact was made. While both vehicles were traveling eastbound, the victim’s vehicle struck the other vehicle, causing minor damage.

According to the police report, 39-year-old Jon Jenkins alleges 78-year-old Ray Berry pointed his gun after the minor collision.

The report states that Jenkins feared for his life and began firing his gun and hitting Berry before fleeing the scene.

Jenkins called police shortly after leaving the area and heading to the 700 block of Ravenswood Boulevard.

Police teams arrived at the scene upon notice and detained the suspect without incident. He was then taken to the police station for questioning.

Jon Jenkins was charged with aggravated assault and transported to the Summit County Jail and booked there.

At least one gun was seized.

Berry also faces aggravated menacing charges.

“It’s very strange and very disappointing to allow something that involves property that could be replaced or repaired to get to the point where someone could lose their life behind it,” Miller said.

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