AKRON, Ohio — A week after a grand jury's decision not to indict the eight officers involved in the deadly shooting of Jayland Walker, Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH 13) called on the Department of Justice to investigate the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department.
Sykes said her plea was "in no way an attempt at retribution, but rather, an opportunity to implement more community focused policing that serves the needs of every segment of this community."
This, falling on the same day as Akron police releasing body camera video from last weekend's protests on Highland Square.
The video appears to show peaceful interactions between officers and demonstrators. And it's in stark contrast to the pictures released by the department, showing shattered windows of several restaurants.
Yet, much of the community is yearning to move forward. Pastor Stacey Jenkins of House of Prayer Church in Akron said it's time for people to start the healing process.
Jenkins and leaders from other churches hosted a community discussion at House of Prayer Monday night.
"It's an opportunity for the community to come together and just share their, questions, share their opinions," Jenkins said. "This is as fractured as I've ever seen our city."
Jenkins also said he has been in touch with Jayland Walker's mother, Pam.
"She's (sic) awesome lady. And to see the pain and the hurt that this thing has brought on her ... on them?"
But the pastor also recognizes that the pain in the community runs deep, no matter where people stand on the issue.
"In this case, there was really no winners. So it would be a hurt community either way," Jenkins said.
Mental health professionals were on hand at the meeting to make sure people felt heard. That's something Jenkins says will start restoring peace in the community.
"I still believe in hope. I still believe in the goodness, of God and the land of the living. And I believe that throughout this, something good will come out of this," Jenkins said.
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