The family of Jayland Walker, a Black man who was fatally shot by police in a barrage of 94 bullets after he allegedly fired a shot from his car, will receive a settlement of $4.8 million from the city of Akron, according to a statement from the mayor’s office on Monday.
A grand jury chose not to indict the officers involved in the incident last year. However, Walker’s family has filed a federal lawsuit against the officers, claiming they employed excessive force and fostered a “culture of violence and racism” within the Akron police force.
The family’s legal representatives stated that discussions regarding the settlement would take place after the conclusion of the court proceedings. Bobby DiCello, a family attorney, stated that “there’s more to the settlement than money. The family accomplished meaningful policy changes with its litigation efforts.”
The tragic sequence of events commenced on June 27, 2022, with a traffic stop that resulted in the shooting of Walker, who was shot 46 times. This incident sparked widespread protests and heightened tensions between the community and law enforcement.
The investigation disclosed that the police attempted to stop Walker after observing that he was operating a vehicle with a malfunctioning rear license plate light and a damaged tail light. Walker allegedly fired a shot from his vehicle before fleeing on foot, according to officers who reported that he did not comply with their orders to stop.
The city’s announcement of the settlement indicates that discussions regarding the modification of police procedures are ongoing with Walker’s family and the broader community. The vehicle pursuit policy has been modified to prohibit officers from pursuing vehicles solely for equipment violations.
An investigation by the state revealed that 25-year-old Walker exited his moving vehicle, fled from the police, and disregarded commands to stop and show his hands. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost stated that Walker reached for his waistband and raised a hand, leading the pursuing officers to believe he was preparing to fire again.
Walker’s family lawyers have condemned the state’s investigation, arguing that it favours the police. Attorney DiCello challenged the state’s characterisation of Walker firing at officers from his car window, asserting that the gun was not aimed at anyone.
The eight officers involved in firing at Walker were initially placed on leave but later returned to desk duty before resuming active duty, as confirmed by a police official in February.
Frances Ibiefo
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