Who Brought This Case
This action was brought by Thomas Jakupca II, the proprietor of CivX Defense, in his individual capacity as a private citizen and Summit County resident. He is not an attorney and filed pro se — representing himself, without retained counsel. CivX Defense is not a party to the case. Every step described below — the pre-suit demand letter, the verified complaint, and the amended complaint — was prepared and filed by an ordinary citizen using public statutes and court rules.
Summary of Claims & Procedural Posture
On September 3, 2026, Mr. Jakupca sent a written Notice of Claim & Demand to the Akron Law Director and the Mayor concerning the outdoor weapons ban posted for the 2026 Akron City Festival (September 5–6, 2026) at Lock 3 Park. The City did not cure the claimed violation, and Mr. Jakupca filed a pro se civil action in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, captioned Jakupca v. City of Akron (Case No. CV-2026-09-3900).
An amended verified complaint added standing permanent park signage at Lock 3 Park stating: “A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL: The following are strictly prohibited: Weapons of any kind.”
Statutory Grounds Asserted
- Statewide Preemption (Ohio R.C. 9.68): The complaint asserts that regulation of the possession, carrying, and transportation of firearms is a matter of statewide concern, upheld as a general law in Cleveland v. State, 2010-Ohio-6318.
- Scope of Municipal Authority (Ohio R.C. 2923.126(B)(7)): The complaint asserts that this provision addresses government facility buildings, not open-air public parkland or festival grounds.
- Relief Requested: Declaratory relief under R.C. 2721.02, injunctive relief under Civ.R. 65, and recovery of expenses under R.C. 9.68(B).
Procedural Sequence
- Pre-litigation Notice of Claim & Demand (September 3, 2026)
- No cure by the City before the festival
- Verified complaint filed; amended complaint capturing permanent signage
- City counsel enters notice of appearance and requests 21-day leave to plead (late October 2026)
Record Disclosure: As of late October 2026, counsel for the City of Akron has entered a notice of appearance and requested 21 days’ leave to file an answer or responsive pleading. This page summarizes filings and claims asserted by the plaintiff; no judicial findings or rulings have been issued on the merits. Secondary coverage: Buckeye Firearms Association, September 22, 2026.