An Akron police officer shot and injured a home invasion suspect late Tuesday night on the city’s south side.
The injured suspect, Mark Losh, 23, underwent surgery early Wednesday at Akron City Hospital for a single bullet wound to the abdomen. His wound was not considered life-threatening, police said.
The officer who shot Losh is a five-year veteran. He was placed on administrative leave, a common procedure for officers involved in shootings.
The shooting took place Tuesday night around 11:30 p.m. inside a home in the 700 block of Lafollette Street.
Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards said the homeowner had just arrived home from work and was talking on the phone when Losh, armed with a rifle, forced his way inside the home.
At one point, Losh dropped the rifle and began fighting with the resident.
Police said the men knew each other.
Losh punched, choked and then put a knife to the man’s neck, Edwards said.
Meanwhile, the person who had been talking to the homeowner heard the commotion and called 911.
Police said that after officers forced their way inside the house, Losh picked up the rifle and ignored commands to drop the weapon. He then turned and “raised the rifle toward the officers when one officer fired several shots,” Edwards said.
One shot hit Losh. The homeowner suffered minor injuries to his face and neck.
Police union President Paul Hlynsky said the officer “reacted appropriately and courageously.”
“[The intruder] pointed his gun at the officers and our officer beat him to the punch and acted appropriately,” Hlynsky said.
Losh has been charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, felonious assault and assault on a police officer.
He was arrested at least six times in 2012, according to online court records, on charges including domestic violence, menacing and theft.
Authorities said Losh is homeless.
Beacon Journal staff writer Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717 or ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com.