In Tim Harland’s 22 years of working as an officer for the Humane Society of Greater Akron, he’s handled his fair share of backlash — both from animals and people. When he pulled over to the side of the road to make a phone call back in March, though, Harland withstood his first physical attack, which landed him in the hospital for several days.
After assisting Harland in the attack, the Akron Police Department collected money during his recovery and presented him with a check for $716 outside the police department Tuesday afternoon.
“I’m totally humbled by this,” Harland said. “I was just doing my job like [the Akron Police Department] does every day.”
In March, Harland pulled over to the side of the road in the 2100 block of 18th Street Southwest in Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood. While he was on the phone, a man identified as 33-year-old McCullen Webb began attacking Harland.
Webb, who has a history of arrests and mental health issues, is reported to have attacked Harland with a shovel through his van window. After the attack, his family told police he had not been taking his medication.
Officers at the Akron Police Department, who work closely with the Humane Society of Greater Akron, decided to collect money for Harland after the incident.
“Tim Harland has helped us for years,” said APD Lieutenant Cindy Christman. “When we heard he was attacked, we just wanted to give back.”
Detectives said Webb thought Harland was coming to investigate his house, though Harland wasn’t responding to a call at that time. Police said Webb pushed past his mother to confront Harland, and she called the police.
Between her call and Harland’s over the radio, the Akron Police Department responded to the scene. They attempted to use a stun gun on Webb, but he withstood the electroshocks and then came at officers with the knife, according to police. A police officer fired two shots, which struck Webb in the lower abdomen.
Both Harland and Webb were treated at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center. Along with several lacerations, Harland also lost a tooth and functionality of his right pinkie finger, which will need surgery.
Despite his injuries, Harland returned to work three weeks later, bearing a new scar that extends from the left side of his nose down the side of his cheek.
“There really wasn’t that much fear. It all happened so quickly,” Harland recounted. “I just stopped at the wrong place.”
Webb has been charged with two counts of second-degree felonious assault. His second pretrial hearing will be held June 2 before Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O’Brien.
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com.