AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department says “approximately six arrests and numerous citations for traffic and equipment violations” occurred Monday night amid protest-related incidents.
Protesters had gathered in Akron into the evening hours after a Summit County grand jury declined to bring criminal charges against eight police officers involved in Jayland Walker’s deadly shooting amid an overnight chase last June.
Here’s a timeline of the protest-related incidents, according to the Akron Police Department:
Around 7:40 p.m.
“Officers became aware of a caravan of protesters and related vehicles, sometimes blocking traffic and committing a wide range of traffic violations, including driving reverse of traffic as the parade of cars moved about the city,” according to the Akron Police Department. “At its peak, the caravan grew to over 60 vehicles, making it difficult for traffic to move at a normal flow. This created a risk to public safety and an undeniable concern for uninvolved citizens traveling in the area.”
As police say the concern for public safety increased, officers began making traffic stops throughout the city “as the caravan traveled to what appeared to be targeted areas in West Akron, East Akron and on S. Main Street.”
Police said that during several traffic stops that “agitated subjects” approached officers on foot as some allegedly yelled obscenities from a distance.
Around 8:40 p.m.
It was at this time police said a report of gunshots could be heard in the area of South Main Street and East Wilbeth Road.
Akron police reported a large caravan of vehicles in the area with some cars “blocking traffic while others created disturbances and other safety hazards.”
“At some point, a group of protesters arrived downtown and traveled back and forth from Main Street, where some unknown person or person set off fireworks before heading toward High Street and S. Broadway,” according to Akron police.
Authorities said the hours-long ordeal ended just after midnight.
Police noted that during two traffic stops that “at least two illegal handguns resulted in weapons charges.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was arrested and charged with criminal mischief for tampering with city-owned equipment on S. High Street. Additional charges for the suspect arrested include open containers, possession of marijuana, and obstructing official business.