Akron Man Killed in Barberton Crash and Shooting at Van Buren and Harold Avenues

A 20-year-old Akron man was killed and two others were injured after a car crashed into a FirstEnergy utility pole at South Van Buren Avenue and Harold Avenue late Wednesday night in what investigators believe also involved a shooting.

Barberton Police and EMS responded to the area around 10 p.m. June 18. When first responders arrived, they found the victim on the sidewalk with bystanders performing CPR. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Victim Identified

The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as Benjamin Hutchison, 20, of Akron. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the torso, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide. Responding officers noted his injuries were consistent with both the crash and being shot.

Two Others Hospitalized

All three men in the vehicle sustained injuries. The two survivors were transported to an area hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been released.

Investigation Underway

The Barberton Police Detective Bureau is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office. No additional information was being released at the time of publication.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Barberton Police at 330-745-2181.

Frequently Asked Questions

Around 10 p.m. on June 18, a car crashed into a FirstEnergy utility pole at South Van Buren Avenue and Harold Avenue. A 20-year-old Akron man was killed and two others were injured in what investigators believe also involved a shooting. First responders found the victim on the sidewalk with bystanders performing CPR, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Benjamin Hutchison, 20, of Akron. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the torso, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Yes. All three men in the vehicle sustained injuries. The two survivors were transported to an area hospital for treatment, and their conditions have not been released.

The Barberton Police Detective Bureau is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Barberton Police at 330-745-2181.