Killing of Jayland Walker

On June 27, 2022, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Akron, Ohio police officers shot and killed Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Akron resident, following an attempted traffic stop and vehicle chase. The night before, at about 2:30 a.m. on June 26, 2022, a New Franklin police officer had attempted to stop a car owned by Walker for a broken taillight and missing license plate bulb; the driver did not stop and the pursuing officer ended the chase after Walker crossed into Coventry Township.

According to the Akron Police Department, on June 27 officers again attempted to stop Walker's vehicle for an equipment violation, and a chase ensued. Officers reported that gunfire came from the vehicle less than a minute into the pursuit. After the car slowed in a residential area, Walker, who was wearing a ski mask, exited from the passenger side while the vehicle was still moving and ran on foot. Officers pursued him and attempted to use a stun gun without success. After about ten seconds of chasing him, eight officers opened fire for six to seven seconds, discharging approximately 90 rounds. Police said Walker appeared to be turning toward them and that they believed he was moving into a firing position. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene. No firearm was found on his body, though he was handcuffed after being shot. The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide, and an autopsy released on July 15, 2022, found that Walker's body had been struck by 46 bullets; toxicology showed no drugs or alcohol in his system.

Investigators recovered a pistol, a loaded magazine, and a wedding ring from the driver's seat of Walker's car. Police stated a bullet casing consistent with the recovered Glock handgun—which Walker had purchased from an Akron gun store about a week before his death—was found along the highway where officers said a shot had been fired during the chase. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation led the probe. The eight officers who fired were placed on paid administrative leave and later reinstated to administrative duties on October 11, 2022, due to a staffing shortage, according to Police Chief Steve Mylett.

On July 3, 2022, police released body camera footage from the eight officers who fired and five additional officers at the scene, along with still images they said showed a muzzle flash from Walker's vehicle and Walker reaching toward his waist and turning during the foot chase. The released footage does not show what happened after officers opened fire.

On April 17, 2023, a grand jury issued a "no bill," declining to charge any of the officers. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost stated the grand jury concluded officers were legally justified in their use of force. The Walker family's attorney indicated plans for a civil lawsuit. On October 21, 2024, the city of Akron settled with Walker's family for $4.85 million.

The shooting prompted days of protests in downtown Akron, a citywide curfew, cancellation of July 4 celebrations, and, in November 2022, voter approval of a permanent police oversight board and police auditor for the Akron Police Department.