Off-duty cop fatally shot at Akron pub
Associated Press
AKRON
An off-duty officer was fatally shot early Sunday at a pub after he approached a patron described as “unruly” who was waving a firearm, police said.
Four other people also were shot at the Papa Don’s Pub in Akron about 2 a.m., Police Chief James Nice told reporters at a news conference. One of the victims was another off-duty police officer who was grazed by a bullet and suffered minor injuries. Three patrons were hospitalized with possibly life-threatening injuries, which Nice described as “significant.”
The deceased officer was identified as Justin Winebrenner, 32, a department member for more than seven years. Nice did not release the names of the other victims but said the three hospitalized included two men and one woman.
The suspect fled on foot but was caught in a nearby field about an hour later with the help of a K-9 unit, police said.
Kenan Ivery, 35, of Akron, was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated murder and five counts of felonious assault, Nice said. A message seeking comment was left Sunday at a phone number listed for Ivery.
Police Capt. Daniel Zampelli said Ivery was being treated at a hospital for injuries he suffered at the pub. He declined to discuss the nature or severity of the injuries.
Winebrenner had joined friends and other officers at the pub after attending an athletic fundraising event, police said.
Nice said Ivery came into the restaurant and “was being very unruly.” The pub’s management asked Ivery to leave, which he did, but he came back shortly and was waving a gun.
“At this point, the restaurant patrons looked to Officer Winebrenner, knowing he’s an officer, and needed his help,” Nice said. “Officer Winebrenner began to deal with Mr. Ivery as a law enforcement officer. Ivery shot him.”
Nice said he did not know the specifics of how many shots were fired. He said police were still investigating and reviewing video and witness statements.
Winebrenner was transported to a hospital, where he died. He was engaged and had a 4-year-old daughter, Nice said. He is survived by his father, a retired police officer.
Nice described Winebrenner as a good-natured officer: “He’s a well-liked guy — just a really friendly, likable guy.”