Photo: Getty Images
The eight Ohio police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Jayland Walker are back on active duty.
According to the Associated Press, Akron Capt. Michael Miller said "All eight officers are back on full-time, active duty" following a state investigation and an Ohio grand jury declining to indict them in connection to the June 2022 death of Walker.
Police previously said Walker failed to stop when officers tried to pull him over for minor equipment violations. According to police, Walker fired a shot from his vehicle during the pursuit.
At one point during the encounter, Walker jumped out of his still-moving vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, 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 in April. They were put on leave following the shooting and reinstated to desk duty in October 2022.
Bobby DiCello, who is representing Walker's family, said they are “saddened by the way in which they continue to be ignored” by the city of Akron. DiCello noted officials “never once reached out to discuss the employment of the eight officers or explain why the officers are being reinstated.”
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.