Those wanted by the law for felony or misdemeanor warrants have the chance starting today to surrender peacefully in Akron.
The nationally recognized Fugitive Safe Surrender returns to Akron for four days starting today through Aug. 1 at the House of the Lord Church at 1650 Diagonal Road.
The program will run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It was developed in 2005 by U.S. Marshall Pete Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio.
The last time it was offered in Akron in July 2007, 1,125 fugitives surrendered at the church.
Organizers expect to exceed the number at this year's event.
Officials say there are more than 10,000 people with warrants living in Summit County.
Safe Surrender is not an offer of amnesty in which charges are dismissed. Rather, it gives fugitives a chance to stop their run from the law in a way that is nonconfrontational.
During the program, church offices are turned into courtrooms. Sheriff's deputies, prosecutors, defense lawyers, police, motor-vehicle department employees and court clerks work to erase the warrant and move the case toward resolution.
More than 20,000 people have voluntarily surrendered during the program's history.
For more information, call 877-OH-SURRENDER (877-647-8773).
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