Protests erupted after Walker was reported to be unarmed and was shot by police 60 to 90 times. The medical examiner observed 60 wounds to Walker’s body, but he said the injuries had not been differentiated between entrance and exit wounds. The city of Akron canceled its Fourth of July fireworks and imposed a 9 pm curfew as city officials expected more protests over the fatal police shooting.
Ohio police released graphic body camera video and additional details Sunday about the shooting of Black motorist Jayland Walker, showing for the first time the moment eight officers released a barrage of bullets at Walker as he ran.
Akron officers said they tried to stop Walker, 25, last Monday on unspecified traffic violations and chased him when he did not pull over, police said in a statement. Police said officers “reported a firearm being discharged from the suspect vehicle” during the pursuit early Monday.
Walker then jumped out of his car and officers chased him on foot, police said.
“Actions by the suspect caused the officers to perceive he posed a deadly threat to them,” police said. “In response to this threat, officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.”
Police said at a news conference Sunday that officers pursued Walker’s car on the expressway for several minutes before they exited on a ramp.
After the chase on city streets, Walker’s car slowed, and he got out through the passenger side door as the car continued to roll forward, police said. Officers tried to stop Walker using stun guns and opened fire after the stun guns failed, according to the department’s retelling.
Police Chief Steve Mylett did not know the traffic or equipment violation officers cited in trying to pull Walker over.