Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett responding to the letter that was sent and signed by 43 community and faith leaders this week, condemning his reinstatement of the eight APD officers being investigated for the shooting death of Jayland Walker. Chief Mylett initially justified his decision saying there is a severe staffing shortage that is affecting the Akron Police Department's ability to police the city properly and safely.
In response, those faith leaders wrote, "Whatever staffing crisis there may be, it cannot be more challenging than would be the erosion of any trust remaining between the community and police." Chief Mylett said he was confused and disappointed by the letter from those local leaders as it "inaccurately portrayed" the conversations he had with advisory councils prior to the decision to reinstate those officers.
The Chief noted that the majority of those who signed the letter were not in attendance for those discussions, adding that having his integrity questioned in this matter is "beyond hurtful." Chief Mylett closed his response, saying he stands by his decision to reinstate the eight officers who are still being investigated by the Ohio BCI and Attorney General's Office for the death of Jayland Walker.
See the full "letter to the community" from Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett below:
Akron Police are looking for three men involved in a shooting back on September 9th.
According to the APD report, the 47-year-old victim was shot on his porch in the 800 block of Merton Avenue. He says the three individuals were talking about around 9:20 p.m. on the 9th, words were exchanged, and then one of the three pulled a gun and fired multiple shots. The man was wounded in the arm, but will be OK.
See more from the Akron Police Department below:
Akron Police are looking for the vandal who spray-painted obscenities and threats on the Right to Life Northeast Ohio building and sidewalk at 572 West Market Street earlier this month.
The graffiti was discovered the morning of July 8th, according to APD. Windows of the building were also broken out.
Police shared surveillance footage of the suspect in action:
Anyone with information is asked to call Akron Police.