The eight Ohio officers that fired dozens of shots that killed 25-year-old Jayland Walker after a traffic violation, which turned into a car and foot chase last year, are back on active duty, according to officials.
Akron Police Captain Michael Miller said that the department’s internal investigation into the deadly incident, that happened on June, 27, 2022, is expected to be released at the end of November, but in the meantime, “All eight officers are back on full-time, active duty.” This decision was made based upon the independent review that was assisted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Summit County grand jury’s decision not to indict them.
Walker’s family attorney, Bobby DiCello, revealed that they don’t appreciate the way they’ve been ignored by Akron, stating that the city’s leaders never reached out to discuss the employment process of the eight officers or explain why they were being reinstated. “While this decision reopens painful wounds for them, the family remains strong in their commitment to seeking justice and dignity for Jayland,” DiCello told WKYC-TV.
As previously reported by REVOLT, back in April, the grand jury decided not to file criminal charges against the officers, who fired a total of 94 shots in just under seven seconds, hitting Walker 46 times. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost added that the cops’ allegations of Walker firing at them and a gun being found in his car were essential to the decision that was made by the jury.
The officers, whose identities were not released, were put on leave after the shooting and then reinstated to desk duty in October of 2022. This caused months of public outrage and protests; and the family filing a $45 million lawsuit against Akron and its police officers.