AKRON, Ohio — Protests in response to the deadly police shooting of Jayland Walker continue in the Akron area with police reporting multiple incidents overnight while downtown was under a curfew.
“We fully support our residents’ right to peacefully assemble,” the Akron Police Department said in a statement early Friday afternoon. “Acts of violence and property damage will not be permitted.”
Here’s a timeline of what the Akron Police Department says unfolded Thursday night…
AROUND 8:30 P.M.
Police say protesters began forming in a residential area along West Exchange Street and Stadelman Avenue.
“Reportedly there were up to 50 people and as many cars were seen moving through the area,” police said. “The vehicles were blocking and disrupting the flow of traffic. Officers responded to the area and helped clear the roadway.”
AROUND 9:30 P.M.
Police say dozens or more demonstrators “converged upon a residential area in the Ellet community and caused disturbances, creating public safety concerns for the citizens in the surrounding area.”
A team of officers were able to disperse the crowd without further incident.
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous story regarding the protests on July 7, 2022.
AROUND 10:50 P.M.
Police say a 25-year-old man was stopped for a traffic violation on West Exchange Street.
“Officers observed him driving through various city streets and illegally blocking intersections to allow over 50 cars to speed and move through the city streets, some vehicles in a reckless manner,” police said.
Upon stopping the driver, police say he was found in illegal possession of a loaded handgun and arrested without incident. The driver, who’s name has not been released, was taken to jail on charges of having weapons under disability, obstructing official business, disorderly conduct and rioting. Police say he also had an unrelated felony vandalism charge in connection with a prior protest-related incident.
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The protests have been going on for several days after the Akron Police Department released body camera footage that shows eight officers shooting Walker dozens of times following a chase last week.