Jayland Walker, 25, killed while trying to flee on foot – Local media reported eight police officers fired more than 90 rounds at him
Angry protesters took to the streets of Akron, near Cleveland, Ohio, to protest the death of a young African-American man who was shot dozens of times by police during a pursuit.
Jayland Walker, 25, was killed while trying to escape on foot. His car had been chased before, when the police tried to arrest him for violating the traffic code.
Protests remain peaceful in #Akron following the death of #JaylandWalker @wkyc pic.twitter.com/65GPahvy6g
— Neil Fischer (@NeilFischerTV) July 1, 2022
His name is Jayland Walker. …
…
8 Akron Ohio cops fired 90 bullets at him, hitting him 60 times throughout his entire body.
…
The cops pulled him over for a TRAFFIC VIOLATION.He was 25.
He was a @doordash driver.
HE WAS UNARMED.
HE WAS MURDERED.#JaylandWalker pic.twitter.com/CLqQtgx1ZQ
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) June 30, 2022
In their statement, the police claim that the driver fired at the officers during the pursuit. “The suspect’s actions led the officers to perceive him as a threat” and they “fired their weapons, killing the suspect” who was running away.
According to the police, a gun was found inside the 25-year-old’s abandoned car.
The officers involved in the case have been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the judicial investigation. An internal investigation has also been launched and police plan to release body-worn body camera footage in the coming days.
Police have not released any other details about the exchange of fire, but local media reported that eight officers fired more than 90 rounds at Jayland Walker. “They hit him 60 times,” Black Lives Matter tweeted.
Jayland Walker’s family has demanded an explanation from authorities and appealed for peaceful protests outside Akron’s city hall and police headquarters. This city became famous mainly because it is the birthplace of NBA star Lebron James.
“He wasn’t a monster, he wasn’t someone who committed crimes,” said the family’s attorney, Bobby DiCello, while his aunt, Lajuana Walker-Dawkins, said Jayland was “a kind young man” who “never caused any trouble.”
This picture is a mother and sister grieving over the loss of Jayland Walker. Eight officers fired 90 shots hitting him with 60 of those bullets. This is beyond infuriating and unnecessary. I was born and raised in the great city of Akron and today we mourn. #JusticeForJayland pic.twitter.com/nyDhJZV3Da
— Antwan Lewis (@MrLewedu) July 1, 2022
The municipality decided to cancel a festival it was due to hold at the weekend, ahead of the national holiday of July 4, on the grounds that “now is not the time for celebrations”.
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