Narlon Portis Obituary, Death – Authorities in Akron, Ohio, have identified the man who was fatally stabbed in a residential neighborhood near Sand Run Metro Park on the evening of May 10. According to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim has been confirmed as 52-year-old Narlon Portis, a local resident of Akron.
The fatal incident occurred around 8 p.m. in the 1600 block of Cromwell Drive, a typically quiet residential area not far from the popular park. Emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a stabbing. When Akron police officers arrived, they found Portis suffering from severe injuries. According to Chief Investigator Gary Guenther of the medical examiner’s office, Portis had sustained a fatal stab wound to the torso.
Emergency medical responders transported Portis to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where he was pronounced dead at 9:13 p.m., less than an hour after the initial 911 call. Despite efforts to save his life, his injuries proved too severe.
Authorities said the suspect in the stabbing was someone Portis knew, though no additional information about the suspect’s identity has been released publicly. The individual reportedly fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. As of now, no arrests have been announced.
Akron police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Investigators are working to determine what led to the deadly encounter and are pursuing leads in the case. While no motive has been confirmed, the fact that the suspect and victim were acquainted has led police to consider personal conflict as a possible factor.
In a public statement, Akron police urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Witnesses, neighbors, or anyone with potential details that might assist in solving the crime are encouraged to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau. Tips can be submitted by calling 330-375-2490 or the anonymous tip line at 330-375-2TIP.
Community members in the area have expressed concern over the violence, noting that Cromwell Drive and the surrounding neighborhoods are generally considered peaceful. Incidents of this nature are rare, especially those involving fatal violence in such close proximity to the family-friendly Sand Run Metro Park. The park is a common recreational area for walking, running, and enjoying nature, making the nearby stabbing all the more unsettling for local residents.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of interpersonal violence and its impact on communities. Authorities are working carefully to collect evidence, interview potential witnesses, and gather any surveillance footage that may help identify the suspect or clarify what occurred in the moments leading up to the stabbing.
Friends and family of Narlon Portis have not made public statements as of yet, but the loss has undoubtedly left a deep mark on those who knew him. A man in his early fifties, Portis was known in the Akron area, and his sudden and violent death has prompted calls for justice and a swift resolution to the case.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy was conducted, and while the full report has not yet been released, the preliminary cause of death was clearly attributed to a stab wound to the torso. Additional toxicology results and forensic details may be used by investigators as they continue piecing together the events that led to Portis’s death.
As police continue to track down the suspect, they are asking the public to remain vigilant. If anyone saw suspicious activity in the Cromwell Drive area around 8 p.m. on May 10, even if they believe the detail to be minor, they are asked to contact detectives. Sometimes small bits of information—such as seeing someone running away, a parked vehicle that seemed out of place, or overhearing an argument—can prove crucial in solving a case.
The homicide marks another tragic instance of violence in the city and adds to a growing concern about public safety in residential neighborhoods. Law enforcement agencies are responding by increasing patrols in key areas and encouraging community members to report domestic disputes or conflicts before they escalate.
At this time, police have not confirmed whether any weapons have been recovered. It is also unclear whether the suspect had a history of violent behavior or if this was an isolated event.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Narlon Portis and waits for justice to be served. Police are hopeful that with continued community cooperation and the help of the public, the person responsible for this crime will be located and held accountable.
Anyone who may have knowledge about this case, including the events before or after the stabbing, is strongly urged to contact the Akron Police Department. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers, which offers confidentiality and potential financial rewards for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
