Full Breakdown
Akron Police Shooting Incident: Corey Phillips' Case
11/20/2025, 11:35:46 AM
Overview of the Incident
On November 11, 2023, Corey Phillips, a 36-year-old man, was shot by Akron Police Officer Caleb Bodjanac outside Karam’s Lounge in Ellet, Ohio. The incident occurred shortly after Phillips was ejected from the bar, where he had reportedly acted erratically and threatened patrons. Witnesses claimed that Phillips pointed a handgun at others before police arrived. However, subsequent investigations revealed that no firearm was recovered from the scene.
Sequence of Events
The confrontation began around 9 p.m. when Phillips was asked to leave Karam’s Lounge due to his behavior. According to a bartender's 911 call, Phillips had been acting strangely and allegedly aimed a handgun at the bar's patrons. Upon arrival, Officer Bodjanac encountered Phillips, who initially complied but then reached into his jacket pocket, prompting Bodjanac to issue commands for him to stop. Within 25 seconds of their encounter, Bodjanac fired more than a dozen rounds, striking Phillips multiple times in the torso.
Medical Condition and Recovery
Following the shooting, Phillips was hospitalized and has undergone several surgeries, including procedures on his stomach and arm. His employer, Robert Burton, reported that Phillips was conscious during visits from co-workers and showed signs of awareness. As of the latest updates, Phillips remains in intensive care but is not facing life-threatening injuries.
Official Statements and Responses
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 stated that officers were responding to reports of an armed individual threatening others. However, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik later clarified that body camera footage did not show Phillips possessing a firearm at the time of the shooting. Malik emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the Akron Police Department's use-of-force policies, stating, “Even when actions may meet legal standards, we must always ask: What can we learn?”
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns regarding the rapid escalation of force by Officer Bodjanac. The absence of a recovered weapon has led to questions about the justification for the shooting. The Akron Police Department has not confirmed whether Phillips was armed, and the lack of clarity surrounding the incident has prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in police actions.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the police union reported that Phillips was armed, the absence of a firearm at the scene contradicts these claims. Body camera footage shows no weapon was found on Phillips after the shooting, leading to discrepancies between witness accounts and police statements. The ongoing investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation aims to clarify these conflicting narratives.
What's Next
The Akron Police Department is currently reviewing its use-of-force policies in light of this incident. The release of body camera footage is anticipated, which may provide further insights into the events leading up to the shooting. As the investigation continues, community members and officials alike await answers regarding the circumstances of Phillips' shooting and the broader implications for police conduct in Akron.
