Bodycam Video Of Jayland Walker’s Fatal Shooting Released [Video]

Sunday afternoon, Akron police released the bodycam footage that shows officers fatally shooting 25-year-old Jayland Walker, an unarmed Black man, following a routine minor traffic stop.

The stop turned into a vehicle and foot pursuit last Monday that ended when Walker was fatally shot by Akron Police.

Chief Steve Mylett claims officers tried to stop the victim’s car for unspecified traffic and equipment violations. However, less than a minute into the chase, the sound of a shot was heard from the vehicle, and a transportation department camera captured what seemed to be a muzzle flash that possibly came from the car.

Mylett said it was the discharge of the firearm that changed the nature of the case from “a routine traffic stop to now a public safety issue.”

Police alleged a few minutes later, the car Walker was slowed down with him emerging from the still-moving vehicle wearing a ski mask. He then fled on foot. After an unsuccessful attempt to use stun devices, the foot chase continued into a parking lot. At that point, a crescendo of bullets can be heard.

Walker was unarmed when he was shot. Authorities said they feared he was preparing to fire when they discharged their weapons.

Mylett said he has watched the video dozens of times and added that Walker’s actions are hard to distinguish. However, a still photo appears to show him “going down to his waist area,” while another appears to show him turning towards an officer, and a third “captures a forward motion of his arm.”

A handgun, a loaded magazine, and a wedding ring were found on the seat, and a casing consistent with the weapon was later found at the location where officers believed a shot came from the vehicle.

“Each officer, independent of each other related that they felt that Mr. Walker had turned and was motioning and moving into a firing position,” he said.

Akron police have pleaded for peace and patience from the community while the investigation into the shooting continues.

Mylett also added he is withholding judgment on the police’s actions until they give their statements, and that the union president has told him that all are “fully cooperating” with the investigation.