AKRON, Ohio — Ten days after the grand jury decided that no criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved in the police shooting death of Jayland Walker, five people were arrested during a protest.
Akron Police says on Thursday night, a protest involving numerous adults and children, including a caravan of vehicles formed at Reservoir Park on Hillside Terrace.
Following a gathering, the group traveled down several streets before reaching the intersection of Six Corners on Brittain Road.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video at the top of the story previously aired on 3News on April 26, 2023.
Police say that as the caravan reached Brittain Road, "there were several near accidents, in a few instances, almost head-on collisions, as uninvolved motorists were forced to drive around the crowd, narrowly missing people walking in the street."
Officers conducted traffic stops, issuing citations for various traffic violations, on Eastland Avenue, East Exchange Street and South Arlington Street.
The individuals arrested were charged with the following:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Marijuana
Earlier this week, 3News' Lydia Esparra sat down with Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett for his first interview since the grand jury decision. Mylett spoke to Esparra about the recent protests in the city.
"We're going to do everything in our power to protect people's rights, but people don't get to destroy property. People don't get to assault other people, and they don't get to assault police officers."
Mylett told 3News earlier this week that for the most part, protestors have been peaceful, except for "a few."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on April 18, 2023.