AKRON, Ohio — The city of Akron has seen several days of protests following the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker, 25. For the first time since the shooting, Spectrum News spoke with Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett, who called the situation devastating. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • Spectrum News sat down with Akron's police for the first time since the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker

  • He said there have been several protests throughout the city and while most were peaceful, some were not

  • The chief said threats have been made against officers 

 

"It’s heartbreaking,” Mylett said about meeting members of the Walker family. “They lost their son, they lost their brother, they lost their nephew, their cousin.” 

It’s not just the Walker family that's been mourning the death. The city of Akron has seen daily protests. The chief said most have been peaceful, but he said that isn’t the case for all of them. 

“That last Sunday, individuals arrived in the city of Akron and their intentions were not to engage in peaceful protests,” he said. “[It was] demonstrated by their actions.” 

Police have also been criticized for using tear gas to break up some of the nighttime protests.

“A state of emergency was declared in the city,” Mylett said. “Which prompted a curfew.” 

The chief said the department has been on high alert after they received a report from the FBI that claims there have been threats against officers. 

“Other potential violent extremists in the streets have called specifically for violence against law enforcement,” he said. “Including putting a bounty on and killing any police officer.” 

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Mylett will begin hosting daily press briefings starting Monday, July 11. The city said this is the best way to provide timely and consistent safety updates and relay information to the public and the press.

The city also plans to launch an incident website to provide up-to-date information on the shooting of Jayland Walker.​