Flock Camera Data Leads to Indictment in Akron Hit-and-Run Death

Jesse McCool, a 38-year-old Akron resident, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Sept. 26. Police have now indicted Freddie Lee Walker in connection with the death.

The indictment charges Walker with failure to stop after an accident. This felony charge stems from an incident that occurred just before 10:30 p.m. on South Main Street near East Miller Avenue.

McCool was crossing the street when he was struck by a vehicle. He was transported to an Akron hospital but died the following day. Police stated that Walker admitted to driving a tan Cadillac SRX at the time of the crash.

Investigators initially appealed to the public for help after the crash, describing a black SUV. They later refined their description to a tan Cadillac SRX with tinted windows and an Ohio license plate starting with KYL. A Flock license plate reader camera at Main and Miller streets captured an image of the vehicle, according to Akron Police.

The technology played a central role in identifying the suspect. On Oct. 3, an anonymous tip led investigators to Walker, who was attempting to repair the Cadillac. Police examined electronically stored data from the car to confirm it had been at the scene.

"We were able to gather that information to use it in our investigation and place the vehicle at the scene of the crime at that particular time," Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy said. Murphy noted that while Flock cameras are often debated, they were vital here. "Had it not been for the availability of Flock cameras, it is not likely that we would have gotten to the point that we are at right now," he said.

Walker has been served with a summons to appear in Summit County Common Pleas Court on Nov. 20. He is not currently in custody. State records indicate Walker has previously served prison time for sex crimes and domestic violence. Police said Walker had a green light when the collision occurred, though the reason he left the scene remains unknown.

Celestine Saunders, McCool's sister, expressed frustration that Walker is out on a summons. "It is the fact that you are still out walking loose and you feel like you should be free when you should not be," she said. Her anger centers on the driver's decision not to stop. "Because it is the fact that you did not stop. You did not seek help for him. You kept going. That is the part that makes me upset," Saunders added.

The family describes McCool as a loving, outgoing man who lived with mild developmental delays. He did not drive and enjoyed walking. In September, Saunders said the family wanted justice. "Getting justice for Jesse means everything to me. Now that we know more details, that is going to mean the world to me," she said. "And I want to see justice for my brother, period."

The family initially pleaded for the driver to come forward, noting that while they could forgive an accident, leaving the scene was different. Saunders said the indictment brings the family closer to the accountability they have sought since the crash. "He was an uncle, a friend, a brother, a cousin," Saunders said. "We loved him and for somebody to take him away from us, it hurts."