On April 14, 2020, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Summit County Sheriff’s SWAT Team responded to the City of Tallmadge for reports of a male barricaded inside a residence. Tallmadge Police Officers at the scene smelled the presence of natural gas. The suspect was believed to be under the influence of drugs (Methamphetamines). The suspect began damaging the interior of the residence. The subject’s mother and sister fled the residence for their safety. When SWAT arrived, Deputies Rich Wright, Mike Shaffer, Officer John Joseph (Mogadore Police Department) and an unknown Tallmadge Fireman approached the residence. Within minutes, the suspect started a fire which could be seen on the second floor of the residence, where the suspect was believed to be hiding. Deputies Mark Adams, Mike Shaffer, Rich Wright, Chase Rose, Geoff Kugler, Anthony Alemagno, and Officer Joseph forced entry into the residence. They located the suspect inside the residence and carried him to safety. Deputy Adams attempted to put the fire out, but was unable due to the size of the fire. Within minutes the house was fully engulfed.
The Tallmadge, Mogadore, and Brimfield Fire Departments extinguished the fire. The suspect was turned over to the Tallmadge Police Department for further action.
The suspect, Aaron Cook, age 33 was arrested and transported to the Summit County Jail by the Tallmadge Police Department.
