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Cosmetologist urges Akron council to act after child shot, recounts alleged police harassment
Summary
A cosmetologist told Akron City Council a child had been shot and urged officials to fire the officer she implied was responsible; she also described multiple incidents in which she said Akron police followed her without lights and did not respond to non-emergency calls as she expected.
Teresa Rogers, a cosmetologist and Akron resident, told City Council she is “waiting for you guys to do the right thing” after a child was shot and urged the council to take personnel action.
“My name is Teresa Rogers. I have been a cosmetologist in Akron for 22, 23 years,” Rogers said during public comment. She described a recent shooting in which, she said, a child “got shot … two times and in his arm,” and asked what repercussions the city would pursue. “We're waiting for you guys to fire this man and bring him up on charges because it's unreal that we have to tell our kids, you're not safe,” Rogers said.
Rogers also described personal experiences she said involved questioning police conduct. She said she had been followed by officers “with no lights on” while driving late at night and that calls to the non-emergency line produced explanations that officers do not have to use lights in such situations. “I have left the shop at night, and I have been followed by the police,” she said. Rogers said she has reported these incidents to the dispatch center and sought answers about officers’ behavior.
Why it matters: Rogers framed the shooting and her experience as part of a broader public-safety and community-trust issue. She urged council members to pursue accountability and to make residents feel safe in the city.
Details and context: Rogers identified herself as a long-time Akron resident and parent. She repeatedly asked the council to take personnel or criminal action in response to the shooting; the council did not announce any immediate personnel decisions or investigations during the meeting.
What’s next: Rogers asked for council intervention and for the city to ensure safety for children and families. No formal referral or vote on policing practices was recorded during the meeting.
