Protesters took to the streets of Akron on Sunday amid the release of bodycam footage showing Jayland Walkerthe death of. Protests have continued since news of another Black man’s death at the hands of police. As previously reported, Jayland died from at least 60 gunshot wounds from at least eight Akron officers. Akron Police Chief Stephen Mylett confirmed Jayland was unarmed when officers fired more than 90 shots at him during a foot chase.
The shooting took place a week ago, on Monday, June 27. Police attempted to stop Jayland for an alleged traffic and equipment violation. However, Jayland led the officers in a car chase that lasted four to six minutes. Police said about 40 seconds after Jayland drove off, “a sound consistent with a gunshot” and flash came from his vehicle. With the optical charges, police say they believe Jayland shot in their direction.
“That changes the whole nature of the traffic stop,” the sheriff said Sunday. “IT has gone from being a regular traffic stop, to now becoming a public safety issue. And then the chase continued.”
A view of the crowd initially marched through downtown Akron after police released an officer wearing a body camera showing the death of Jayland Walker, 25 pic.twitter.com/RLcpmbWuQQ
– Clay LePard (@ClayLePard) July 3, 2022
Bodycam footage shows officers shooting at Jayland more than 90 times
According to body footage, Jayland pulled over and exited the driver’s side but climbed back in when an officer yelled to see his hand. The car slowly moved forward before he swerved over the passenger’s hip and tried to run away on foot for about 10 seconds.
Based on CNN, the released video contains clips from body cameras worn by 13 officers at the scene. During the chase, Jayland stopped and turned towards the officers shouting at him to stop and run in his direction. Officers say they believe Jayland is “moving momentum and moving into firing position.” So the officers responded by firing each bullet in Jayland’s direction.
The footage doesn’t end until an officer shouts “ceasefire” at least three times. Additionally, blurred footage shows Jayland on the ground as officers continue to pump ammunition in his direction. Follow Beacon Magazine, Jayland suffered injuries to his face, torso and legs. In addition, the medical examiner who arrived on the scene after the shooting found Jayland on his back and cuffed – even with a bullet wound through.
The sheriff confirmed the direct involvement of at least eight officers in the shooting. Seven officers identified as white, while one officer identified as Black, according to The New York Post. The department said no one was involved in the deadly shootings during their one to six years in the force.
Investigations are underway as Jayland’s family calls for peace
Officers later found a handgun, magazine and wedding ring clearly in the driver’s seat of Jayland’s car. A shell that appeared to match the gun was also later found in the area.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has opened an investigation. Meanwhile, Akron police are also conducting an internal investigation. On Friday, news broke that many of the officials involved had been placed on paid administrative leave.
In a press conference following the release of the footage, Jayland’s family called for justice through the proceedings. The family’s attorneys said they wanted answers but urged the public to “give peace, dignity and justice a chance – for Jayland.”
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