Jayland Walker: Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting Return to Active Duty

Eight Ohio police officers who fired a barrage of shots, resulting in the death of 25-year-old Jayland Walker, are now back on active duty, according to officials.

Akron Capt. Michael Miller issued a statement, citing the results of a state investigation and the decision by an Ohio grand jury not to indict any officers involved in the June 2022 shooting of Walker. As a result of these developments, Miller announced that “all eight officers are back on full-time, active duty.”

In the same statement, Miller noted that the department’s internal investigation into the shooting is undergoing its final legal review and is anticipated to be released by the end of November.

Bobby DiCello, the attorney representing Walker’s family, expressed their disappointment in how the city of Akron has handled the situation. He stated that city leaders have not reached out to discuss the reinstatement of the eight officers or provide an explanation for their return to duty, leaving the family feeling ignored.

The incident leading to Walker’s death began when officers attempted to pull over his car for minor equipment violations. Walker failed to stop and fired a shot from the vehicle 40 seconds into the pursuit, according to the police.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost explained that their investigation found that Walker subsequently exited his still-moving vehicle, fled from the police, and disregarded commands to stop and show his hands. Some of the officers initially used Tasers in an attempt to subdue Walker, but he made a movement toward his waistband and raised a hand as officers pursued him. At this point, the officers, unaware that Walker had left his gun in the car, believed he was about to fire again.

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In April, a Summit County grand jury chose not to indict the eight officers involved, who collectively fired 94 shots in under seven seconds, striking Walker 46 times. The officers, whose identities remain undisclosed, had been placed on leave following the shooting and were reinstated to desk duty in October 2022.

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