Grand Jury Declines to Indict Akron Police Officers for Traffic Stop Killing of Black Man

Eight Akron Police Department officers are back on duty after a grand jury decided not to indict them for the killing of a 25-year-old Black man during a traffic stop last summer, Sarah Dewberry reports for CNN. On June 27, 2022, the officers attempted to stop Jayland Walker for traffic and equipment violations when authorities say that Walker fled the stop and, about 40 seconds into the police chase, a gunshot was fired from his vehicle.

Walker then got out of his car and fled on foot, at which point the pursuing officers tried to unsuccessfully stop him with Tasers. Moments later Walker suddenly stopped and turned towards them, prompting the officers to open fire. An autopsy by a Summit County medical examiner found that Walker suffered 46 gunshot entrance wounds or graze injuries. Walker’s family has filed a lawsuit alleging the officers used excessive force and claiming there is a “culture of violence and racism at the City of Akron’s Police Department” and seeking at least $45 million in damages.