Police have not released the names of those involved in a deadly shooting in Akron, Ohio, last month after it was discovered “bounties” have been placed on the officers involved, city officials said Monday.
The decision not to release the names follows the city’s long-standing policy not to identify officers involved in fatal shootings, but it also follows revelations that “there’s been bounties placed on officers’ heads,” said Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett. However, he confirmed the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave despite reports suggesting they were back on duty.
JAYLAND WALKER SHOOTING: AKRON POLICE RELEASE FOOTAGE OF OFFICERS SHOOTING BLACK MAN
Akron officials have also decided to shift the city’s curfew to last from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day in response to widespread unrest stemming from protesters and demonstrations in the weeks following the shooting on June 27. However, officials have confirmed they will allow protests to continue so long as they remain peaceful.
“What I want to say is that so long as the participants are nonviolent, we are going to give them space,” Mylett said. “They have committed to us that they’re not going to engage in violence. And everybody does have a constitutional right to protest and demonstrate.”
One group, Freedom BLOC, presented the city government with a list of demands it said must be met before it stops protesting. Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan signaled he would be willing to meet with the group to discuss the demands but has denied “to unilaterally agree to demands before a meeting.”
“When we put out misinformation, that actually tends to increase the level of tension,” Mylett said. “And I’m asking the public to please be mindful of that. Misinformation doesn’t help the situation at all. BCI is doing their investigation, and we will do an internal investigation at the conclusion of that, all information will be shared.”
The developments come two weeks after Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old DoorDash driver, was shot and killed by police after he fled a traffic stop at about 12:30 a.m. on June 27. Police fired over 90 bullets at him after unsuccessful attempts to stop him with a stun gun, with at least 60 striking him, according to reports.
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Police heard a gunshot from his vehicle while they were pursuing him in his car, minutes before he exited his still-moving vehicle and began to run. Walker was unarmed when officers began shooting at him, but a gun was later found in his vehicle.
The incident ignited several protests in the weeks that have followed, with some turning violent after police released bodycam footage on July 3. The city will continue to hold daily press briefings through the end of the month as officials continue to investigate the incident.
