Executive Summary
- Derquan Edwards, 18, of Summit County, was arrested in New Philadelphia on a warrant for firearms theft.
- The arrest was conducted by a U.S. Marshals task force without incident.
- Local police positioned officers at nearby elementary schools as a precautionary measure during the operation.
An 18-year-old from Summit County, wanted by the Akron Police Department, was arrested by a U.S. Marshals task force in New Philadelphia late Friday morning. Derquan Edwards, 18, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for the theft of firearms, according to federal and local officials.
The arrest occurred without incident in the 300 block of Ray Avenue NE. The New Philadelphia Police Department was notified in advance of the federal operation. Chief Tessa Pohovey stated in a press release that precautionary measures were taken due to the location’s proximity to two elementary schools.
School Resource Officers were positioned at East Elementary and Central Elementary schools “out of an abundance of caution,” Chief Pohovey’s statement noted. The operation concluded safely, and authorities confirmed that no threat was ever posed to the schools or the surrounding community.
All official inquiries regarding the arrest have been directed to the U.S. Marshals Service. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.