Officials demand calm after protests erupt in Ohio following a police killing of a black man

Image captured from a police officer's body camera and provided by the Akron PD on July 3, 2022, shows a police officer approaching the vehicle of 25 year old Jayland Walker during a traffic stop in Akron, Ohio, on June 27, 2022. (Soccorso Alpino/AFP)

Authorities in the U.S. state of Ohio issued a call for calm on Sunday following the release of body camera footage showing police fatally shooting a Black man with dozens of bullets.

Monday, Jayland Walker, 25, was shot and died when cops attempted to stop his vehicle for a traffic infraction, according to the Akron police department.

After disclosing limited facts about the shooting, Akron authorities released two videos: a composite of body-camera footage, body-camera still frames, and voiceover, and the exclusive body-cam footage of the entire pursuit and shooting.

The narration indicated that Walker did not stop and continued driving. Police engaged in a motor pursuit and reported that a shot was fired from Walker's vehicle.

After being pursued for many minutes, Walker abandoned his moving vehicle and fled on foot. Officers attempted to subdue him using tasers, but he continued to flee.

Multiple officers pursued Walker to a parking lot. The body-cam film is too unclear to see what transpires. Still, an initial police statement issued after the incident states that his behavior led officers to believe he presented a "lethal threat."

Every cop on the scene opened fire on Walker, firing numerous shots in fast succession.

He was declared deceased at the scene.

The incident was the most recent death of an African-American citizen at the hands of police, which has spurred widespread demonstrations against racism and police brutality.

An angry demonstration was held in Akron on Friday, and another is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Dan Horrigan, the mayor of Akron, stated at a press conference that he was "heartbroken" at the recent events and that he completely supports the right of residents to assemble freely.

However, I hope the community can agree that violence and damage are not acceptable solutions.

He also stated that an investigation was being done independently.

Police chief Steve Mylett stated that he was unaware of the number of bullets fired at Walker, but the medical examiner's report "indicates that Mr. Walker's body sustained over 60 wounds."

In addition, he stated that the eight policemen involved in Walker's death had been placed on administrative leave with pay until the conclusion of the investigation.

According to local media, authorities in the city of 190,000 relocated snowplows and other heavy equipment near the police department out of concern about a potential disturbance.

Authorities also canceled an event scheduled for the weekend of July 4th.

Sunday, basketball superstar and Akron native LeBron James tweeted that he was praying for his hometown.

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Publish : 2022-07-04 09:38:00

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