An incident involving the shooting of Jayland Walker by eight police officers last summer has sparked controversy, with allegations of excessive force and a culture of violence and racism within Akron’s police department. The officers fired a total of 94 bullets at Walker during a foot chase, leading to a lawsuit seeking $45 million in damages from the officers, the city of Akron, and city officials.
Despite a grand jury’s decision not to indict the officers involved in Walker’s death, his family maintains that he was not at fault. Attorney Bobby DiCello criticized the mischaracterization of Walker’s death as “repugnant” during a press conference.
The fatal shooting occurred during a routine traffic stop on June 27, 2022, when Walker fired a single bullet from his vehicle before fleeing on foot. The officers believed him to be armed and a “deadly threat,” leading to the barrage of bullets fired in less than 7 seconds.
Walker’s death drew national attention and added to the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the Black community. The lawsuit filed against the officers alleges a violation of Walker’s rights under the fourth amendment due to the use of excessive force despite him being unarmed.
Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses the city of Akron, Mayor Daniel Horrigan, and Chief of Police Stephen Mylett of turning a blind eye to a pattern of violent behavior by Akron police officers, particularly targeting African Americans. It references past incidents of excessive force and a disturbing newsletter from 1998 that dehumanized Akron residents.
DiCello highlighted the connection between Walker’s death and the toxic culture within the police department, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform. The city of Akron and the mayor’s office have refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, while the Akron Police Department has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Jayland Walker’s Family Targets City of Akron, Police Department in Excessive Force Suit
Introduction
The city of Akron, Ohio is currently facing a lawsuit from the family of Jayland Walker, a young man who was allegedly the victim of excessive use of force by the Akron Police Department. The lawsuit, which was filed in the Akron Municipal Court, accuses the city and the police department of violating Walker’s civil rights and causing him harm.
Background
Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Akron resident, was involved in an altercation with Akron police officers on June 15th, 2021. The incident took place during a routine traffic stop, which quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. According to the lawsuit, Walker was unarmed and posed no threat to the officers at the time of the altercation.
Despite this, Walker alleges that he was violently beaten by the officers, resulting in serious injuries. The lawsuit claims that Walker suffered from broken bones, bruises, and psychological trauma as a result of the incident. The family’s attorney has stated that the actions of the Akron Police Department were excessive and unjustified.
The Lawsuit
The lawsuit filed by Jayland Walker’s family seeks damages from the city of Akron and the Akron Police Department for the harm caused to Walker. The family alleges that the officers involved in the incident used excessive force and violated Walker’s constitutional rights.
The lawsuit also claims that the city of Akron failed to properly train and supervise its police officers, leading to the use of excessive force in this case. The family is seeking compensation for Walker’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
City of Akron’s Response
The city of Akron has denied the allegations made in the lawsuit and has stated that the officers involved followed proper protocol during the incident. Akron City Attorney, Lisa Miller, has stated that the city will vigorously defend itself against the claims made by Walker’s family.
The Akron Police Department has also launched an internal investigation into the incident to determine if any misconduct occurred. The department has stated that it takes allegations of excessive force seriously and will take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Jayland Walker’s family against the city of Akron and the Akron Police Department highlights the ongoing issue of excessive force by law enforcement officers. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for police accountability and transparency in Akron and beyond.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the city of Akron will respond to the allegations made by Walker’s family. In the meantime, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served for all individuals involved.
