A settlement in a federal lawsuit was reached for the relatives of an Ohio man fatally shot in a police incident in a June 2022 traffic stop in Akron.
Jayland Walker was struck with 46 bullets in various places. Authorities say the 25-year-old drove away from police and fired a round from his vehicle. In an investigation of the incident, officers responded with nearly 100 shots at Walker.
Walker's family will receive nearly five million dollars, paid over four years. The initial lawsuit filed last year was seeking $45 million in damages. Akron's mayor, Shammas Malik, says the city has changed how it deals with vehicle pursuits.
Since the killing, the city has implemented multiple changes to its policing protocol.
Malik announced in April that police would no longer direct vehicle chases involving minor equipment violations.
Walker's death has resulted in protests over racial inequality and use of police force, as well as an investigation conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
“Akron should be a place where everyone is safe,” a news release said. “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.”
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