Bodycam shows struggle with suspect who later died after 911 call about loose dogs

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Norwood, OH - The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) has been called in to investigate the death of a man who was en route to the hospital after a "violent struggle" with Norwood police.

Norwood Police Chief Dwayne Sumner said officers responded to a report of a loose dog in the 4400 block of Montgomery Road at around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday. Sumner said the call was also linked to a man and woman "exhibiting erratic behavior" near Ohio Media School.

We obtained 911 calls from multiple people reporting a man behaving oddly and referring to a loose dog. At least two people requested a mobile crisis team to come evaluate and assist the man.

"He currently has let his ... I think German Shepherd dog kind of roam free," one caller said. "She's a little protective. I just watched her nip somebody. I'm a little concerned if somebody approaches her a little too hastily, it might not go well. I don't know where the man went."

When officers arrived, Sumner said police found the man and woman, who "appeared to be in mental distress." Records show this happened just before 11 a.m. Wednesday. The chief said during the situation, the man — now identified as 40-year-old Akeem Holtz of Cincinnati — "became combative" and resisted the officers.

"After a prolonged and violent struggle, officers were eventually able to restrain him with handcuffs," Sumner said.

Sumner did not say what violence occurred during the struggle, but records show the situation was reported as "under control" by 11:20 a.m. The police chief said one Norwood officer was injured and taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment, while paramedics checked the man and began to take him to UC Medical Center.

While on his way to the hospital, Sumner said the man "experienced a medical emergency" and was pronounced dead by the time he arrived at the hospital.