Akron mayor, police at odds over street brawl

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Uneasy relations between Akron’s mayor and police have soured over an incident report saying the mayor slurred his speech when he reported a street fight and complained about 911 response.

Mayor Don Plusquellic says his speech wasn’t slurred and says he had a duty to call 911 when he saw a large crowd involved in a fight after leaving a restaurant last weekend.

The mayor says a 911 operator put him on hold and the attitude of the first officer to arrive drove away possible witnesses.

The police union says the mayor had been drinking and was vulgar with officers. The mayor said he had a few beers.

In June, the police union backed a failed effort to oust the mayor through a recall election.