The family of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man shot 46 times by police after he fired one bullet out of his car window and attempted to flee a traffic stop, is set to receive $4.85 million to settle a federal lawsuit, per NPR.
On Monday (October 21), the city of Akron announced that it would pay the Walker family in four installments over the next four years and continue to examine police policies following his June 2022 death.
"We all agree: Akron should be a place where everyone is safe. We all know there are important problems to address in our community and it is through our continued commitment, courage, and conversations we will move our city forward, together," a joint statement by the city and family attorney Bobby DiCello reads.
Police previously said Walker failed to stop when officers tried to pull him over for a broken taillight and license plate light on June 27, 2022. According to police, Walker fired a shot from his vehicle during a cross-town pursuit.
At one point during the encounter, Walker jumped out of his still-moving vehicle and attempted to flee on foot while wearing a ski mask, according to a state investigation into the incident. Officers initially tried to use Tasers to stop Walker, but police believed he was going to fire again after the 25-year-old reached toward his waistband and raised a hand, per the state investigation.
Walker had left his gun in his car.
Officers fired a total of 96 shots within seven seconds, 46 of those hitting Walker.
A Summit County grand jury declined to indict the eight officers involved in the traffic stop in April 2023. In June 2023, Walker's family filed a lawsuit against the city, mayor, police chief, and the eight officers involved, alleging excessive force. The lawsuit sought $45 million in damages.
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