During a late-night patrol on September 16, 2024, officers from the Akron Police Department initiated a traffic stop at Cole Ave and Grant St after spotting a vehicle running a red light. What started as a routine stop quickly escalated when officers discovered the driver, Leon Cannon, had a suspended license and the passenger, Amira, had an active warrant. The situation intensified as officers uncovered open alcohol containers and signs of impairment.
At approximately 2:04 AM, Akron Police officers observed a vehicle disregarding a red light at the intersection of Cole Ave and Grant St. Upon stopping the car; officers noted that it lacked a visible license plate, later finding an expired temporary tag that had been invalid since August 2023. The driver, Leon Cannon, immediately became agitated and confrontational. A records check through LEADS revealed that Leon’s license was suspended, and his passenger, Amira, had an active warrant for criminal trespass.
As officers attempted to detain Leon, his agitation grew, and he resisted being placed in the patrol car. However, he ultimately consented to a vehicle search, during which officers discovered multiple open containers, including two Four Loko cans and an empty tequila bottle. One of the containers was found near Amira in the passenger-side door. While inside the cruiser, Leon admitted to consuming alcohol and smoking marijuana before driving. Officers conducted the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, which showed multiple signs of impairment, though additional field sobriety tests were not completed due to Leon’s behavior.
Amira was arrested for her outstanding warrant and possession of an open container, while Leon was transported to Fir Hill for a breathalyzer test, which yielded a BAC of 0.037. Due to his admission of marijuana use, officers requested a urine analysis, but Leon refused. He was subsequently cited for Driving Under Suspension (DUS), expired plates, and Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI). Amira was booked into Summit County Jail, while Leon was processed accordingly.
Final words: Legal note:
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Akron Police Department continues to emphasize the importance of responsible driving and compliance with traffic laws to ensure public safety.
