The Summit County Sheriff’s Office participated in a major federal drug and firearms operation while announcing upcoming community events for October.
Federal Drug and Gun Operation
A coordinated federal investigation targeting drug trafficking and illegal firearms in Akron resulted in 34 arrests and significant seizures, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the 60-day operation with assistance from multiple agencies including the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation focused on Akron’s most violent areas and concluded with coordinated arrests this week. One federal defendant remains at large.
Law enforcement seized 41 firearms including 32 pistols, one revolver, six rifles, two suppressors and one machine gun conversion device. Drug seizures included 417 grams of powdered cocaine, 376 grams of crack cocaine, 94 grams of heroin, 4,663 grams of methamphetamine, 443 grams of marijuana and 134 grams of fentanyl.
The operation resulted in 17 federal indictments charging more than 30 people with firearms offenses and drug violations. Ten additional defendants will face state charges. The arrests coincide with ATF’s announcement of a new Akron Crime Gun Intelligence Center, which will serve as an intelligence hub for local, state and federal response to firearms crimes.
Faith & Blue Community Event
The fifth annual Summit Faith & Blue will take place Saturday, October 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hardesty Park, located at 1615 W. Market St. in Akron.
The free, family-friendly event is part of the national Faith & Blue initiative, described as the largest community-law enforcement collaboration in history. Activities will include live performances, games and contests, a bounce house and obstacle course, food and drinks, a touch-a-truck display, mounted unit demonstrations and raffle prizes.
Concealed Carry Workshop
The sheriff’s office will conduct its final concealed carry workshop of 2025 on Wednesday, October 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Central Park Community Hall, 1795 Steese Road in Green.
The free workshop will feature Sheriff Kandy Fatheree and County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich discussing recent changes to Ohio’s concealed carry laws, self-defense rights and safe carrying practices. Registration is required and available through the sheriff’s office mobile app or at sheriff.summitoh.net.
DARE Car Photo Contest
The sheriff’s office is seeking public support for its DARE car in Ohio’s First Responder Photo Challenge. The annual contest, hosted by Light Ohio Blue and Light Ohio Red, runs through September 30 and honors Ohio’s public safety professionals. The competition was created in remembrance of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the heroic response of first responders. Voting is available online at lightohioblue.org/ohios-2025-first-responder-photo-challenge/Â through September 30.
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