Akron Beacon Journal
AKRON, Ohio — A reserve Akron police officer has been relieved of his volunteer duties following his arrest on suspicion of drunk driving.
Steven R. Mohseninia, 27, was relieved of his duties Monday and will stay off the force until the case is resolved. Acting Akron Police Chief Craig Gilbride announced the decision.
Mohseninia’s black 2008 Honda Accord hit a marked cruiser being driven by Summit County Deputy Michael Walsh, 41, early Sunday morning.
Reserve officers are certified peace officers who volunteer to work for the Akron Police Department. The officers have full arrest powers and carry a weapon. They are required to work 16 hours a month, mostly in the patrol division.
Reserve officers often use their certification to work part-time jobs as security officers in retail businesses.
Mohseninia has been a reserve officer since May 2006.
Police Lt. Rick Edwards said Akron’s reserve force consists of 39 officers, who worked more than 13,500 volunteer hours last year. Mohseninia worked 800 of those hours.
Mohseninia, a Stow resident, was driving north on Arlington Road about 3 a.m. Sunday and turned left in front of Walsh’s Ford Crown Victoria just north of state Route 619, authorities said.
Walsh, who was on duty at the time, was treated for minor injuries at Akron City Hospital. Mohseninia, who was off-duty, refused a breath test that would measure his blood-alcohol content.
A phone number to Mohseninia’s home has been disconnected. He could not be reached for comment.
Barberton prosecutors were reviewing the case Monday afternoon with Ohio Highway Patrol troopers for possible charges.
Copyright 2009 Akron Beacon Journal