'Traumatizing': Family calls for justice after teen holding toy gun shot by Akron police officer
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The family of a 15-year-old named Tavion Koonce-Williams is calling for justice and accountability after he was shot by an Akron, Ohio, police officer while holding a toy gun. The incident occurred on April 1, 2024, and the teenager was treated for his injuries. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating the incident. The family held a press conference where they demanded accountability from the Akron Police Department and compared the incident to the case of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old who was shot and killed by a Cleveland police officer in 2014 while holding a toy gun. Body camera footage released by the city of Akron shows the officer, identified as Ryan Westlake, arriving on the scene and shooting the teen in the wrist. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave. The Akron Police Department released Westlake's personnel file, which revealed previous disciplinary actions and use of force incidents. The family's attorney called for Westlake's termination and the release of his complete personnel file. The Akron Fraternal Order of Police expressed confidence that the officer's actions would be deemed justified once all the facts are released. The investigation is being conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the findings will be turned over to the Ohio Attorney General's Office for review.

#PoliceShooting #Akron #ToyGun #Investigation #PressConference

https://abcnews.go.com/US/traumatizing-family-calls-justice-after-teen-holding-toy/story?id=109162027