AKRON, Ohio – A 37-year-old man wanted in connection with a deadly shooting in Goodyear Heights has been arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, following a multi-state investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Officials confirmed that Travonte D. Griffin, of Akron, was taken into custody on November 4 after being located by members of the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. Griffin had been on the run since October 15, when he was identified as the primary suspect in the shooting death of 31-year-old Damere T. Boddie.
Background of the Case
The fatal shooting occurred on October 15 in the 500 block of Mohawk Avenue in Akron’s Goodyear Heights neighborhood. Police arrived at the scene to find Boddie suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency aid, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Following the incident, detectives with the Akron Police Department and U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force identified Griffin as the suspect. Investigators later discovered that Griffin, who was already on federal probation for previous weapons violations, had fled the Akron area shortly after the shooting.
Arrest and Recovery in Atlanta
After weeks of tracking, investigators determined that Griffin had traveled to Atlanta to evade capture. On November 4, members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force spotted Griffin walking along a highway in the Atlanta area. He was arrested without incident, and a firearm was recovered during the operation.
Griffin is currently being held in custody in Atlanta and will be extradited back to Ohio to face charges related to the fatal shooting.
“Although this fugitive fled hundreds of miles away, he is no match for the reach of the U.S. Marshals Service,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott in a statement. “Investigators across the country work day and night ensuring that extremely violent fugitives like this are found and taken out of the communities they threaten.”
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials continue to coordinate between Ohio and Georgia to finalize Griffin’s transfer back to Akron. Local authorities have not yet released specific charges but confirmed that additional charges may be filed once the extradition process is complete.
Residents in the Goodyear Heights community have expressed relief following the arrest, as the case had raised concerns about violence and safety in the area. Police say the quick coordination between multiple jurisdictions was key to capturing Griffin and preventing further threats.
Commitment to Public Safety
Officials praised the teamwork between agencies in both states, emphasizing the importance of federal and local cooperation in pursuing fugitives across state lines. The U.S. Marshals Service continues to focus efforts on locating violent offenders who pose ongoing risks to communities.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Akron Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
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