UPDATE: Suspect Tries Suicide as Kent Police Serve Warrant

An Akron man tried to kill himself as officers with the and the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force served a warrant in Kent Thursday morning.

Officers were attempting to arrest Rodney Jews, 55, of 1097 Nome Ave., Akron, on a warrant for gross sexual imposition. Police tracked him to an apartment off Silver Meadows Boulevard at 1287 Anita Court and entered the apartment shortly after 11 a.m.

Kent Police Chief Michelle Lee said Jews shot himself in the head with a handgun when officers confronted him in apartment 302.

Kent firefighters transported Jews to Akron City Hospital. His current condition is unknown.

Lee said Friday that Jews remains in the hospital.

“As it turns out, we’re going to have additional charges on him for having that weapon with him because he’s a felon,” she said.

Kent Fire Capt. John Tosko said Thursday the hospital prepared a trauma team for Jews' arrival after he shot himself, but the wound did not appear too serious when paramedics arrived.

"He was up walking and talking ... And in handcuffs when we arrived," Tosko said.

Jews was placed under arrest prior to his transport to the hospital, according to Kent police.

Marshals filed a criminal complaint against Jews Wednesday for the third-degree felony offense, according to Portage County court records. A warrant was issued later that same day.

Jews was permitted to sign a personal recognizance bond Friday due to the fact he is hospitalized.

“Hopefully we'll place him back under arrest when he’s released from the hospital,” Lee said.

The case remains under investigation by both Kent police and the U.S. Marshals.