Akron, Ohio – Newly released body-camera footage reveals a disturbing incident where an Akron police officer shot a 15-year-old holding a fake gun within seconds of encountering him. The officer, Ryan Vayda Westlake, a nearly decade-long veteran of the force, wounded the Black teenager, Tavion Koonce-Williams, on April 1, though fortunately, the injuries were not life-threatening. As the state officials launch an investigation into the incident, Westlake has been placed on paid leave.
The footage, made public on Monday, shows Tavion repeatedly screaming, “It’s fake!” in desperation as he complies with Westlake’s commands to lie on the ground. Akron Police Captain Michael Miller confirmed that the gun was indeed fake, shedding light on the intense and harrowing situation captured in the video.
Akron Mayor, Shammas Malik, just shy of his 100th day in office, released the footage and Westlake’s personnel file to ensure transparency during the ongoing investigation. The file highlights several disciplinary actions against Westlake, including a previous use-of-force incident deemed unreasonable.
Imokhai Okolo, the attorney representing Tavion, expressed determination to seek justice for the traumatized high school student who now grapples with the aftermath of being unfairly profiled and shot by the police. Calls for Westlake’s termination have been made by the director of an Akron-based Black advocacy group.
The incident, taking place in East Akron on April 1, originated from a 911 call reporting a man with a gun pointed at houses. While Westlake acted swiftly upon encountering Tavion, questions surrounding the officer’s actions and prior disciplinary history have sparked outrage and demands for accountability.
In the wake of the shooting, concerns and comparisons to past fatal police shootings, such as the 2014 killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, have resurfaced, emphasizing the significance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. The community awaits the outcome of investigations by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, highlighting the need for transparency and justice in cases of police-involved shootings.