AKRON, Ohio — A 25-year-old man is dead following an overnight police chase in the city of Akron.
He has since been identified as Jayland Walker, according to an updated report from the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office, which also ruled the cause of death was from "multiple gunshot wounds."
Police say the situation started around 12:30 a.m. Monday as Akron police attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at Thayer and East Tallmadge avenues.
When the driver allegedly refused to stop, police say a pursuit began. A law enforcement source close to the investigation tells 3News at least eight police officers were involved in the chase.
“The suspect vehicle entered Route 8 southbound as the officers gave chase,” police stated. “During the pursuit, officers reported a firearm being discharged from the suspect vehicle.”
The chase continued for several minutes until the suspect’s vehicle slowed down near the intersection of East Wilbeth Road and Clairmont Avenue.
“While the vehicle was still moving, the suspect fled from the vehicle on foot,” according to police.
A foot chase ensued as police say the suspect ran northbound into a nearby parking lot at Bridgestone.
“Actions by the suspect caused the officers to perceive he posed a deadly threat to them,” the department reports. “In response to this threat, officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.”
The above law enforcement source tells 3News that the suspect was shot more than a dozen times. First aid was given, but police say the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is the department’s policy.
“The initial investigation will be conducted by members of the Akron Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. At the completion of the investigation, the case will be handed over to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for further review before being presented to the Summit County Grand Jury for evaluation.”
BCI later confirmed it will be conducting the entirety of the investigation, at the request of Akron PD. A separate internal investigation will be conducted by the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability. The results of their investigation will be provided to the police chief and Akron Police Auditor for review.
In a statement, Bridgestone Americas said:
"We are saddened by the incident that took place this morning. We are cooperating with local law enforcement as they investigate this matter. No Bridgestone teammates or contractors were involved in this incident. Any questions should be directed to appropriate law enforcement authorities."
Akron Police: Suspect killed after shooting at officers during overnight chase
MORE HEADLINES:
- Gas prices fall again in Northeast Ohio: Down 17 cents in Akron and 12 cents in Cleveland
- Shawn Allen sentenced to life in prison for 2020 killings of Akron father, daughter
- Serial robber in Akron? Police search for unidentified suspect after 2 more stores hit Tuesday
- Fugitive wanted for Atlanta murder captured in Garfield Heights
- Kittens found abandoned in Portage County cemetery inside closed box amid hot temperatures
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on June 24, 2022.