A 32-year-old Akron man forcefully arrested on July 1 who was punched three times by two police officers was found not guilty Monday of resisting arrest, a misdemeanor, following a two-day jury trial.
Jordan Ely previously pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl-related substances, a fourth-degree felony, related to the incident, said Imokhai Okolo , his attorney.
Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands tacked on additional probation time to an existing sentence, Okolo said. Ely will also enter drug treatment.
Jordan Ely: Forceful arrest of man on Copley Road captured on cellphone video, social media posts
“I feel validated, and I feel Jordan feels the same way,” Okolo said after the trial.
Although nothing was certain about taking this to trial, Okolo said it was worth it.
“This fight can result in victories,” he said.
Escalation in seconds
The incident, which took place in the Copley Road Family Dollar parking lot, was recorded by body-worn police footage and bystanders who circulated cellphone videos on social media.