Akron Police Identify Two Suspects in Storage Theft
Authorities are searching for two men accused of stealing $25,000 worth of property from a unit on West Waterloo Road.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Property Crime
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Akron Police have identified Johnathan Varner and Joseph Rinehart as suspects in the theft of $25,000 in equipment and personal items. Investigators utilized surveillance footage from flock cameras to track the vehicles involved in the incident.
Why it matters
The theft is part of a growing pattern of criminal activity at the West Waterloo Road storage facility, which has seen multiple police reports since July 2026. Authorities are currently working to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen property.
Akron Police are actively pursuing Johnathan Varner, 44, and Joseph Rinehart, 31, on charges of breaking and entering and theft. This case follows four prior reports of breaking and entering and one incident of vandalism at the same facility.
The players
Johnathan Varner
He is a 44-year-old suspect identified by police in the theft of property from an Akron storage facility.
Joseph Rinehart
He is a 31-year-old suspect identified by police in connection with the theft of equipment and personal belongings.
Akron Police
This municipal law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating the string of crimes occurring on West Waterloo Road.
The details
Police used flock cameras to identify vehicles connected to the suspects who accessed the storage unit. Beyond the theft, the facility has recorded reports of assault and sexual assault in addition to property crimes since July 2026.
Timeline
The facility began reporting a series of criminal incidents in July 2026.
This news report was published on October 16, 2026.
Legal Context
The use of flock cameras to identify the suspects follows a broader trend of police departments deploying automated surveillance technology to solve property crimes. This incident mirrors an ongoing rise in security monitoring and data-driven investigation protocols in Akron.
Local storage facility users should remain aware of reported security issues, including incidents of breaking and entering and vandalism at the West Waterloo Road site. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity observed in the area to the Akron Police.
The takeaway
Property owners should ensure their storage units are equipped with high-quality locks and verified security monitoring to deter potential theft. Maintaining awareness of neighborhood crime patterns remains an effective way for residents to protect their personal assets.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 5 Cleveland WEWS.
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