The footage released Monday shows Tavion repeatedly screaming, “It’s fake!” after being shot. His voice cracks and he begins to cry while complying with Westlake’s commands to get on the ground.
Investigators confirmed that the gun was fake, Akron police Capt. Michael Miller told The Washington Post on Wednesday. He added that the department wouldn’t be commenting further because of the open investigation.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, just shy of his 100th day in office, released the footage and Westlake’s personnel file, promising transparency as the investigation continues. The file contains several disciplinary actions along with use-of-force incidents, including one deemed unreasonable.
Imokhai Okolo, an attorney for the teen, vowed to seek justice.
He said in a statement that Tavion is a high school student “now grappling with the trauma of being profiled and having his life flash before his eyes after being shot.” The director of an Akron-based Black advocacy group has called for Westlake’s firing. READ MORE…
