The city of Akron will pay $4.8 million to settle with the family of Jayland Walker, a Black man fatally shot by police. Eight officers reportedly fired 94 rounds at Walker after he allegedly shot at least one round out of his car window. Following his death, the mayor’s office announced the settlement on Monday.
A grand jury declined to indict the officers last year, but Walker’s family filed a federal lawsuit accusing them of using excessive force and contributing to a “culture of violence and racism” within Akron’s police department.
The incident began on June 27, 2022, when Walker failed to comply with a traffic stop. He was shot 46 times in a hail of gunfire, which ignited protests and heightened tensions in the city. According to the investigation, police attempted to pull Walker over after noticing a broken taillight and rear license plate light. When Walker refused to stop and fired a shot from his car, a pursuit ensued. Walker later fled on foot.
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In its announcement of the settlement, the city stated that discussions with Walker’s family and the community are ongoing regarding changes to police procedures. Akron has already revised its vehicle pursuit policy, now prohibiting officers from chasing vehicles solely for equipment violations.
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The family’s attorneys plan to discuss the settlement once the court process concludes. “There’s more to the settlement than money. The family achieved meaningful policy changes through its litigation efforts,” said Bobby DiCello, one of the family’s attorneys.
A state investigation found that Walker, 25, jumped from his still-moving car, ran from police, and ignored commands to stop and show his hands. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reported that Walker reached toward his waistband and raised his hand, leading officers to believe he was about to fire again.
Attorneys for Walker’s family criticized the state’s investigation, claiming it was biased in favor of the police. DiCello disputed the claim that Walker was targeting police when he fired out of his car window, arguing that the gun wasn’t aimed at anyone.
The eight officers involved were initially placed on leave but were reinstated to desk duty before returning to active duty, according to a police official in February.
