The family of Jayland WalkerA Black man who was killed when eight police officers fired 94 rounds at him after he shot at least one bullet out of his car window will receive a $4.8 million settlement from the city of Akron, the mayor’s office said Monday.
A grand jury declined to charge the officers last year, but Walker’s family accused the officers in a federal lawsuit of using excessive force and participating in a “culture of violence and racism” within the Akron Police Department.
What started as a traffic stop on June 27, 2022ended with Walker being shot 46 times in a hail of gunfire that rocked the city with protests and increased tensions with police. The investigation shows that police tried to stop Walker and then gave chase after seeing him driving with a broken taillight and a broken light on his rear license plate. Police say Walker refused to stop and then fired a shot from his car before fleeing on foot.
According to the city’s settlement announcement, discussions continue with Walker’s family and the broader community about changing police procedures. The vehicle pursuit policy has been changed so that officers may not pursue vehicles solely for equipment violations.
The family’s lawyers said they would discuss the settlement once the legal process is over. “There is more to the settlement than money. The family has achieved meaningful policy changes through its litigation efforts,” said Bobby DiCello, a family attorney.
A state investigation found that Walker, 25, jumped out of his running car, ran from police and ignored commands to stop and show his hands. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Walker reached for his waistband and raised a hand, making the officers chasing him think he was going to shoot again.
Lawyers for Walker’s family criticism of the state investigationand said it was for the benefit of the police. DiCello disputed the state’s description of Walker firing at police when he shot out the window of his car, saying the gun was not pointed at anyone.
The eight officers who shot Walker were placed on leave and then reinstated to desk duty before returning to active duty, a police official said in February.