Stow Officers Named 'Top Cops' for Help in Police Chase

Each month in the Summit County Prosecutor's newsletter law enforcement officers are recognized for going above and beyond and this April two Stow officers are being honored.

Officers John Ginther and Michael Murphy from the were named "Top Cop," along with Hudson Sgt. Christopher Roch, for being involved in a police chase through residential portions of Akron, Silver Lake, Hudson and Stow. 

"We pride ourselves on the training and decision making capabilities of our officers. Vehicle chases can be especially harrowing and officers must take a myriad of possibilities into consideration when undertaking a pursuit," said Stow Police Chief Louis Dirker. "Officers Ginther and Murphy have been well trained and exercised excellent judgment during the pursuit. I am proud of their involvement in this successful pursuit."

In on Aurora Street. 

According to police, the man told the victim to walk behind the house.

"Fearing he would be killed, the victim refused and instead walked toward the front yard. The victim watched the man drive away and then drove to the Hudson Police Department to report the crime," according to the prosecutor's office.

When Hudson officers tried to stop the man in his car, he sped away. Stow then began to assist in the chase.

Officers chased the Cadillac on Routes 8 and 77 and through residential parts of Hudson, Stow, Silver Lake and Akron. 

Police stopped the man and found the victim's wallet, wedding band and watch. 

Gerome Burns, 34, of Richmond Street in Akron was found guilty of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony with a firearm specification; kidnapping, a first-degree felony with a firearm specification; failure to comply, a third-degree felony; and having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony.

In February Judge Paul Gallagher . 

“I commend the victim for immediately notifying police and providing them with enough detail that they were able to apprehend the defendant,” said Prosecutor Walsh. “This victim was not only brave in testifying against the person he feared had intended to kill him, but the testimony he provided was excellent and clearly had a positive impact on the outcome of this case.”

The "Top Cops" were nominated by Assistant Prosecutor Greg Peacock. Read more on page 3 of the newsletter attached to this post.