According to the city’s police chief, eight Akron police officers who were on administrative leave after being involved in the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker will resume their duties.
When announcing the change, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett cited a lack of personnel.
Following the shooting death of Walker, 25, who was shot 46 times in a shower of police bullets on June 27 during a foot pursuit, the officers were placed on paid administrative leave.
Black Walker’s death spurred protests in Akron, calls for accountability and openness, and a federal probe.
We understand that the Walker family and the community will be concerned by this choice, and we are sympathetic to their concerns, Mylett said in a statement.
Until the investigation is finished, he said, “the officers will not be in the neighbourhood on patrol but will provide internal support in non-uniform roles.”
Mylett claimed that the department’s personnel issues have reduced the number of officers able to respond to calls.
Walker’s family’s legal counsel denounced the action, calling it insensitive. They said that the city ought to let them go back.
Attorneys Ken Abbarno and Bobby DiCello said in a statement that “the decision to reinstate these officers — even to desk duty — fails to take into account a pending investigation into their actions that resulted in Jayland’s brutal shooting and unjustifiable death caused by a barrage of more than 90 bullets.”
The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into the shooting. Once finished, it will be presented to a grand jury for potential criminal charges, according to officials.
Around 2:30 a.m. on June 27, when police attempted to stop Walker’s car for a traffic infraction, there was a car chase, according to police.
During the pursuit, officers “reported a gunshot fired from the suspect’s car,” according to the Police Department.
Officers pursued Walker as he exited the vehicle and fled on foot while starting to shoot. According to the police department, officers attempted to use Tasers but were unsuccessful.
When the shooting’s body camera footage was made public, the police claimed that Walker turned toward the cops just before being shot.
Walker had 46 entrance wounds, according to a Summit County medical examiner, and he passed away from internal bleeding.
According to police, Walker was unarmed when he was shot. According to authorities, they discovered a weapon in his vehicle.
In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, NAACP President Derrick Johnson demanded a federal probe, claiming that “Joyland Walker was executed by Akron, Ohio, police officers for a traffic violation
