AKRON, Ohio — Community leaders are responding to the final report on the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker, who was not armed when he was shot dozens of times by Akron police following a chase in June of 2022, sparking months of protests. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Final internal investigation found officers did not violate department policy in Jayland Walker's death

  •  NAACP Akron is asking for a federal investigation

  • New city leadership plans to look at Akron Police policies and make changes

The report found the officers did not violate department policy. 

“This is exactly what I expected would happen,” said Judi Hill, President of the NAACP in Akron.

She’s been following the Jayland Walker case since it happened.

“The special grand jury set aside by the lieutenant governor said there was no reason for them to charge anyone, so why would they do or say anything except this?” questioned Hill.

The internal investigation by Akron police states that eight officers did not violate department policy when they fired more than 90 shots at Walker as he ran away from them following car and foot chase. Walker was not armed at the time, but the report states he fired a shot from his car during the chase, so officers had reason to believe he had a gun.

Walker's death led to Issue 10, which Akron voters approved last year. It created a Citizens Police Oversight Board.

Hill, who supported Issue 10, hopes that change will continue to come to the Akron Police department — a sentiment shared by Akron Mayor-elect Shammas Malik.

“As my administration takes office in January, we will review APD policies, procedures, and training, and take all appropriate steps to make deadly incidents less likely,” said Malik in a statement.

Bobby DiCello, the Walker family attorney, said they plan to continue forward with litigation.

“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,” said DiCello in a statement. “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.”

Police said they will not be commenting further on this report because of pending litigation.

Hill still hasn’t given up on a federal investigation and hopes leadership changes within Akron will help push things forward.

“With a news police chief, with more training, with a new mayor, I am hopeful that we can make sure these kinds of things don’t happen again,” said Hill.

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