Akron, Ohio – A year after an officer from the Akron Police Department opened fire on an unarmed man outside a local bar, the victim has taken legal action. Corey Phillips, 37, filed a federal lawsuit on Nov. 10 against the City of Akron and Officer Caleb Bodjanac, alleging that the officer used excessive force.
Details of the shooting
According to the complaint, Officer Bodjanac responded to 911 calls on Nov. 11, 2025, that Phillips was armed and threatening patrons at Karam’s Lounge in the Ellet area. The officer arrived, ordered Phillips to the ground, and then fired his Glock 45 at least 15 times, striking Phillips multiple times, including in the chest.
Phillips was unarmed. A bartender’s frantic 911 call claimed Phillips had a gun, but no weapon was ever found on him, and no witnesses saw him with a firearm. Photographs obtained from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation show multiple bullet holes in Phillips’ jacket, with evidence stickers indicating at least 14 bullet impacts.
Medical outcome and legal response
Phillips survived the shooting and underwent emergency surgery at Summa Health. His attorney has not provided an update on his current condition.
The lawsuit, filed by Cleveland‑based law firm FG+G, does not specify a monetary amount at this stage; the case will proceed to trial where damages will be determined.
Officer’s record and city response
Signal Akron previously reported that Officer Bodjanac was involved in at least 13 use‑of‑force incidents in the 11 months between joining the department and the Nov. 11, 2025 shooting. He was disciplined earlier in the year for a forceful response to a similar call. State records confirm that Bodjanac remains employed by the Akron Police Department.
A Summit County grand jury declined to indict the officer in June after prosecutors presented the evidence collected by the Ohio BCI. The city’s spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Legal standards and broader context
U.S. Supreme Court precedent holds that police shootings are judged based on what the officer reasonably believed at the moment, without considering information discovered after the fact. This standard creates a higher threshold for criminal charges against on‑duty officers compared with civilians.
The lawsuit adds to ongoing discussions about police accountability and the balance between public safety and individual rights. While the city has not responded publicly, the filing underscores the importance of transparent investigations and adherence to constitutional protections.
What residents can expect
Local residents should watch for further court filings and any statements from the Akron Police Department regarding policy reviews or training updates. The case may also prompt community dialogue about law‑enforcement practices in the city.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
