Eight Ohio police officers who chased a vehicle and fled on foot before opening fire on Black 25-year-old Jayland Walker have returned to work.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said that the officers resumed duty on Monday. After the tragic shooting on June 27, they were given a paid administrative leave of absence.
The decision “was not taken in haste” but rather after “honest, challenging” discussions with community leaders, the chief said, adding that the officers’ return to duty was intended to address a staffing deficit.
As a result of these discussions, it was decided, according to the general consensus, that taking this action would provide the community the relief and support it needs to continue receiving services as usual.
According to the police chief, the officers have been transferred to administrative responsibilities and won’t be wearing their uniforms or performing patrol duties.
The Walker family and the community will likely be concerned about this choice, and we are aware of this and sensitive to it, Mylett added.
Walker’s death’s circumstances are presently being looked into by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Walker was shot at least 40 times, according to a preliminary autopsy. For minor equipment infractions, two cops originally attempted to pull up Walker’s vehicle.
A shot was fired from Walker’s automobile seconds into the chase when he refused to stop, according to the police. On a highway and then back into city streets, the cops pursued the automobile.
Shortly after, Walker came to a halt and jumped out of the vehicle. He disobeyed orders from authorities and fled into a nearby parking lot, where he was shot and killed by police, according to footage captured on body cameras.
Walker was described as a “deadly menace” by the authorities. On the driver’s seat of his vehicle, police discovered a revolver and a wedding ring.
Walker’s killing has sparked a number of demonstrations in Akron and demands for police reform.