WCDO Radio News

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton Saturday Night, the vehicle had failed to maintain operation within its designated lane of travel, by crossing over the center roadway markings multiple times. Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 22-year-old Paul Akinware of New York, A check of Akinware’s driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges were suspended in the State of New York. Deputies subsequently arrested Akinware For Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Failing to Turn in License to DMV, Unlicensed Operator, Moving from lane unsafely and No/Inadequate Lights, Akinware was released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

State Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation released its report on the death of Paul Weeden in Walton. On October 4th 2021, Weeden called 911 and said he was going to hurt himself & needed a police officer sent to 14 Griswold Street, A Walton Police Officer responded who requested back up from the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, a deputy met the Walton officer at Weeden's residence. Weeden called the officer to come inside, he was covered by a blanket, and asked the officer to come closer. The officer asked Weeden to take his hands out from under the blanket, Weeden was holding a gun, the officer retreated out the front door, urging Weeden to drop the weapon, Weeden moved to the front door with his gun pointed at the officer, and the officer fired his service weapon, Weeden fell, but then raised the gun, and the officer fired again. Weeden was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a pellet gun at the scene, there were no markings on The gun that distinguished it from a firearm. The Attorney General's Office determined that criminal charges could not be pursued against the officer.