15-year-old Maple Heights Youth Dies in Akron Police Shooting, Authorities Say
Source: https://www.cleveland.com/
An Akron police officer shot and killed 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker from Maple Heights on Thursday night. The incident occurred at East Avenue and Vernon Odom Boulevard, where two officers were in their patrol car working on a previous report when they heard gunshots around 11 p.m. Authorities confirmed Tucker died from the shooting, and he was carrying a loaded gun at the time.
After exiting their patrol car, two officers confronted 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker, who had a gun. One officer, with nearly five years of experience, shot Tucker, while the other officer, who has been with the department for less than a year, did not fire. The officers administered first aid, and Tucker was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The officers have been placed on administrative leave, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will handle the case. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik expressed condolences, calling the loss of a young life heartbreaking.
Akron officials are urging the community to withhold judgment on the recent police shooting of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker until the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) completes its inquiry. The BCI is also investigating another Akron police shooting from August, where Michael Donnell Jones, 54, was killed during a confrontation at a gas station. The shooting occurred after officers attempted to detain Jones, who accelerated his vehicle. This incident follows Akron’s recent $4.85 million settlement with the family of Jayland Walker, who was killed in 2022 during a police chase.
Image Source: https://www.cleveland.com/
