For Immediate Release

Akron, OH – The New Year was no vacation for the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF). Elohim El-Jones, age 25, was wanted by the Akron Police Department in the August 2009 shooting death of Michael L. Kirksey, age 31, of Spaulding St. in Akron.

Kirksy and a 45-year-old woman were shot in an apartment in the 1000 block of Ericsson Avenue in Akron. The woman was shot in the leg, Kirksey was struck multiple times. He was taken to Akron City Hospital where he was pronounced dead according to the Summit County medical examiner.

The shots were fired into the apartment from a car after a fight outside the apartment. The Akron Police Department, through the course of their investigation, identified El-Jones as a suspect for the homicide, and charged him with aggravated murder and felonious assault.

In September of 2009, the Akron Police Department referred the case to the NOVFTF for assistance with locating and apprehending El-Jones. The NOVFTF over the course of their investigation has spent numerous man hours on the case. El-Jones was tracked from Ohio to Maryland and California and now back to Ohio.

In May 2010, the NOVFTF added El-Jones to their most wanted “Dangerous Dozen” list. His picture was profiled in numerous media outlets resulting in numerous tips. A recent tip from a citizen who recognized El-Jones from the “Dangerous Dozen” announcement spurred the NOVFTF into action. The NOVFTF, in conjunction with the Akron Police Department Narcotics Unit, S.W.A.T., Street Narcotics Uniform Division (SNUDS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) immediately responded and arrested El-Jones this afternoon at a residence on Euclid Ave. in Akron. A search warrant was served during the course of the arrest and numerous types of narcotics, currency and a loaded .45 caliber pistol were seized from the residence.

Akron Police Chief Craig Gilbride stated, “One again it proves how successful we are when law enforcement agencies work together on a common goal.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:
Akron Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Bath Township Police Department
Boston Heights Village Police Department, Brimfield Township Police Department, Brunswick Hills Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Copley Township Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Kent Police Department, Medina Police Department, New Franklin Police Department, Northfield Village Police Department, Norton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Portage County Prosecutor’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Ravenna Police Department, Reminderville Police Department, Stow Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Twinsburg Police Department, United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, University of Akron Police Department, Wadsworth Police Department.

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For more information about the U.S. Marshals Service, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov