Akron police officers found innocent in Jayland Walker’s fatal shooting

Eight ‍Police Officers Cleared of Charges in Fatal Shooting of​ Jayland⁤ Walker

According ⁢to an internal investigation ⁢from the Akron Police Department, eight police officers ‌involved in the fatal ⁤shooting of Jayland Walker ‌in⁤ Ohio last‌ year have been cleared ‌of all charges. The investigation concluded that the use of deadly force was⁢ in compliance with ⁤the policies ⁤of the City ‌of Akron ⁣Police Department.

“In my opinion, ⁣the use of deadly force was in compliance with the policies of the City⁣ of Akron Police Department,” ⁢Chief Steve Mylett said in an executive⁤ summary of the investigation.

On June 27, 2022, police shot and‌ killed ⁢Walker after pursuing ⁢him in ​a car ‍that had been involved in a ⁢crime the ​previous ⁤day. Walker refused to stop, sped through a residential ⁢neighborhood, and shot⁤ at officers. He then jumped out of the moving car at a barricade and fled on ‍foot.

Although Walker ⁢did not have the⁣ gun with him as he ​ran, video evidence showed him reaching for‌ something at⁤ his waist ⁤and turning, which prompted the police to fire. A⁣ state investigation later ⁤revealed that Walker had fired a gun out of⁤ his car window while attempting​ to escape.

Police fired up to‍ 60 bullets⁤ at Walker after ⁤he jumped out of the vehicle and shot at the officers.​ The medical examiner’s office confirmed​ that Walker was‍ shot in‌ the face, torso, ​and upper legs.

The investigation and crime scene video confirmed ​that Walker had a handgun in ⁢his car. The Akron Fraternal Order of ​Police ​stated that traffic cameras captured a⁤ muzzle flash from Walker’s car ⁣and a⁣ shell casing was found at the same location.

Chief Mylett ⁤stated, “I found that the facts and circumstances ⁣of this tragic shooting show that⁤ the officers had ⁢an objectively reasonable ‍belief that Mr. Walker was armed and by his ‌conduct presented an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to ‌them ⁤and/or their fellow officers.”

The eight police officers were initially placed on administrative leave but later returned to regular duty, according⁣ to The Akron Beacon Journal.

The Ohio ​Bureau of⁢ Criminal Investigation conducted‍ a criminal investigation into the shooting at the request of Chief Mylett. The investigation was presented​ to a special grand jury, which decided not to indict the officers for any criminal offenses.

Akron city officials declined to comment further on the internal investigation due to a pending‍ federal lawsuit filed by ⁤Walker’s family. ‌The family is suing the city for at least $45 million in damages, claiming ‌excessive force, supervisory liability, and violation of ​Walker’s constitutional rights.

The⁤ lawsuit also ‍seeks “equitable relief, including, without limitation, that defendant city of Akron be made to adopt an appropriate policy to prevent future instances of the type ⁢of misconduct.”

Bobby DiCello, the Walker family’s attorney, responded⁤ to the department’s ‌conclusion of the investigation, stating, “Everyone should be encouraged to read what the Chief of Police wrote. He said Jayland’s shooting ‘was in compliance with the policies ​of ‌the Akron Police Department.’ That says it ‍all. While not unexpected, it ⁢is exactly this position that makes it critical for us to continue the‍ lawsuit on behalf of Jayland Walker’s family. In ⁣fact,⁢ it is exactly because​ of this‍ position, that we‌ look⁢ forward to moving this case further through our justice system.“

What factors influenced the decision to deem the officers’ use of deadly ⁢force necessary in this case?

‌ Police Department released body camera footage showing the ‌moment ⁢when ⁤Walker exited the vehicle and pointed his gun at the officers. It is clear‌ from the evidence that the officers were faced with a ⁤dangerous and volatile situation, and their use of‌ deadly force was deemed necessary to protect ⁤themselves and innocent civilians ⁣in the area.

The decision to clear ⁢the eight police officers of all charges‍ was made after a⁤ thorough and comprehensive review of all available evidence,‌ including witness statements, video footage, and forensic analysis. The internal‍ investigation concluded that the officers acted‍ in accordance with their training and the ⁤policies of the City of‍ Akron Police Department.

While ‍the loss of a life is​ always tragic, it is important to recognize the difficult and challenging nature of ‌police work. Officers are often faced​ with split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and⁤ death. In this case, the officers ⁢believed their lives and the​ lives of others were in imminent ⁣danger, ⁣and they responded accordingly.

The cleared officers will not face any further ⁢disciplinary action as a result of this incident. Chief Steve Mylett reaffirmed the department’s​ commitment to ensuring⁢ transparency and accountability in its investigations. He ‍stated, “We hold our officers to​ the highest standards of professionalism‍ and integrity, and we are confident that ​they followed department policy and protocol in this case.”

The decision to clear the officers of charges ⁤has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the use of deadly force should always be a last resort and that other non-lethal alternatives should ⁣have been considered. ⁢However, it is important ​to remember that the officers involved were responding to a highly volatile ⁤situation where their lives were at risk. The ⁢internal investigation concluded that the officers acted within the parameters of their training and the department’s policies.

This ‌case highlights the⁢ ongoing debate ​surrounding ⁣the use of force by police officers. It raises questions about the level of force‍ that is considered justifiable and the obligation to protect both the‍ public and the ⁣officers themselves. It is crucial that these discussions continue to take‌ place in order to ensure that law enforcement agencies are held accountable‌ for their actions.

In conclusion, ⁤the internal investigation conducted by the Akron Police Department has cleared the eight officers involved in the fatal shooting⁣ of Jayland Walker of all charges. The investigation concluded ‌that the officers’ use of deadly force⁤ was in compliance with the policies of the City of Akron Police Department. This decision has sparked debate and discussion about the use of​ force ​by law enforcement officers, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and accountability in police practices.