In Akron, Ohio on June 27, 2022, Jayland Walker was unarmed when he was shot over 60 times by 8 police officers because they thought he was a threat as gunfire was fired in his car.
According to Akron police officials, the incident occurred on June 27 at around 12:30 a.m. Walker’s car was targeted by officers for a traffic violation and an equipment infraction. As a result of Jayland Walker’s refusal to stop, a chase that resulted in his death began.
The circumstances surrounding Jayland’s death have been a subject of questions from his family. In Akron, Ohio, there have been huge demonstrations, and protesters have marched on the police department. In the released body cam footage, eight officers can be seen firing at Walker while he flees, unarmed.
“Early yesterday, we had several peaceful protests downtown related to the officer-involved shooting of Jayland. These protests didn’t escalate to violence and destruction,” said Horrigan, the Mayor of Akron. “However, at night, as others began to join, the protests became no longer peaceful. There was significant property damage done to downtown Akron … we cannot and won’t tolerate the destruction of property or violence.”
“I cannot imagine the sense of loss, the pain they are going through right now,” Police Chief Steve Mylett said. “I want to thank you for the way in which you have been dealing with this situation. You have asked for peace in an environment that is rife for aggression and violence. If Jayland reflects the character of this family, which I continually heard that he did, you raised a good son.”
Officials aired two videos from officer body cameras. The first video showed officers pursuing Walker’s Buick in Akron. The Buick was seen entering Route 8, and a flash of light that seemed to be from the muzzle of a gun came from Walker’s vehicle’s driver-side. Additionally, freeze frames of the flash coming from the car’s window were shared by police. Officers heard at least one shot fired from Walker’s automobile in a second body cam footage. At one point, Walker slowed the car down and hopped out. The video showed a man in a ski mask leaving the car’s passenger side door, whom the police identified as Walker.
Jayland Walker was shot by police in Akron, Ohio, and the inquiry into his death is being handled by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. According to Chief Mylett, investigators have not contacted any of the implicated officers despite the shooting occurring seven days ago. A handgun with a separate loaded magazine was seen in the footage, as well as what seemed to be a gold wedding band.
The police body camera footage has to be made public seven days after an officer’s use of force resulted in death or serious bodily harm. Walker wasn’t a threat to the officers when they fired more than 60 shots, according to Bobby DiCello, an attorney for Walker’s family, analysis of the recordings. Before it was made public, DiCello watched the footage and said to ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” “You can see his hands as he is sprinting on the tape.”
According to Akron police officials, the incident occurred on June 27 at around 12:30 a.m. Walker’s car was targeted by officers for a traffic violation and an equipment infraction. As a result of Jayland Walker’s refusal to stop, a chase that resulted in his death began.
The circumstances surrounding Jayland’s death have been a subject of questions from his family. In Akron, Ohio, there have been huge demonstrations, and protesters have marched on the police department. In the released body cam footage, eight officers can be seen firing at Walker while he flees, unarmed.
“Early yesterday, we had several peaceful protests downtown related to the officer-involved shooting of Jayland. These protests didn’t escalate to violence and destruction,” said Horrigan, the Mayor of Akron. “However, at night, as others began to join, the protests became no longer peaceful. There was significant property damage done to downtown Akron … we cannot and won’t tolerate the destruction of property or violence.”
“I cannot imagine the sense of loss, the pain they are going through right now,” Police Chief Steve Mylett said. “I want to thank you for the way in which you have been dealing with this situation. You have asked for peace in an environment that is rife for aggression and violence. If Jayland reflects the character of this family, which I continually heard that he did, you raised a good son.”
Officials aired two videos from officer body cameras. The first video showed officers pursuing Walker’s Buick in Akron. The Buick was seen entering Route 8, and a flash of light that seemed to be from the muzzle of a gun came from Walker’s vehicle’s driver-side. Additionally, freeze frames of the flash coming from the car’s window were shared by police. Officers heard at least one shot fired from Walker’s automobile in a second body cam footage. At one point, Walker slowed the car down and hopped out. The video showed a man in a ski mask leaving the car’s passenger side door, whom the police identified as Walker.
Jayland Walker was shot by police in Akron, Ohio, and the inquiry into his death is being handled by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. According to Chief Mylett, investigators have not contacted any of the implicated officers despite the shooting occurring seven days ago. A handgun with a separate loaded magazine was seen in the footage, as well as what seemed to be a gold wedding band.
The police body camera footage has to be made public seven days after an officer’s use of force resulted in death or serious bodily harm. Walker wasn’t a threat to the officers when they fired more than 60 shots, according to Bobby DiCello, an attorney for Walker’s family, analysis of the recordings. Before it was made public, DiCello watched the footage and said to ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” “You can see his hands as he is sprinting on the tape.”
