Akron to pay $4.8 Million settlement to Jayland Walker’s family

AKRON — The family of Jayland Walker, a Black man who was fatally shot by police in 2022, will receive a $4.8 million settlement from the city of Akron, the mayor’s office announced Monday.

Walker, 25, was killed on June 27, 2022, when eight police officers fired 94 bullets at him after he allegedly fired a shot out of his car window during a traffic stop. Walker was struck 46 times.

Although a grand jury declined to indict the officers last year, Walker’s family filed a federal lawsuit accusing them of excessive force and claiming the Akron Police Department fostered a “culture of violence and racism.”

The settlement follows ongoing talks between the city and the Walker family about reforms to police procedures, including changes to the department’s vehicle pursuit policy, which now prohibits officers from chasing vehicles for minor equipment violations.

Walker’s family attorneys emphasized that the settlement was not just about compensation but also about achieving meaningful changes to police policies.

“The family accomplished meaningful policy changes with its litigation efforts,” said family attorney Bobby DiCello.

According to a state investigation, the incident began as a traffic stop for a broken taillight and license plate light. Walker fled, and police pursued him.

Investigators said Walker jumped from his moving car and ran from police, ignoring commands to stop. Officers believed he was reaching for a weapon, leading to the fatal shooting.

Attorneys for Walker’s family have criticized the state investigation, claiming it was biased in favor of the police.

DiCello disputed the narrative that Walker aimed his gun at officers, noting that the shot fired from Walker’s car was not directed at anyone.

The eight officers involved were placed on leave following the shooting and have since returned to active duty.