Editor's note: Councilman Eric Garrett's quotes in this story were initially incorrectly attributed to the mayor. The story has been updated to show the quotes are from Garrett.
Footage released
Saturday afternoon, the Akron Police Department released body camera footage of a police shooting that happened last weekend and left 54-year-old Michael Donnell Jones dead.
What happened
The shooting happened on Aug. 17 just after 1 a.m. in a gas station parking lot in the 2200 block of East Avenue in Akron.
According to police, Jones was shot and killed by an Akron officer while they were investigating a stolen vehicle.
You can watch the footage in the player below. Warning: The video contains graphic content, and view discretion is advised.
Body camera footage shows the officer approaching a U-Haul truck, where Jones sat in the driver's seat. After the officer ordered Jones out of the truck, a brief struggle ensued. Jones put the vehicle in gear, and it moved forward, dragging the officer momentarily, and at some point, the officer fired their weapon.
Witnesses told News 5 that the U-Haul was pulling into the street when the shots were fired. One officer fired two rounds, striking Jones, police said.
Officers administered emergency first aid, but Jones was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after, police said.
An initial news release from the department after the shooting stated that a loaded gun was recovered from the vehicle. An updated news release from the department on Saturday stated, "The body camera footage released today indicates that an officer found the firearm on or near Mr. Jones after he was removed from the vehicle."
The mayor's response
Earlier in the day, Mayor Shammas Malik released the following statement regarding the body camera footage being released:
“Today, the Akron Police Department released body camera footage and surveillance camera footage of the officer involved shooting last Saturday that resulted in the death of 54-year-old Michael Jones. My heart goes out to his family in this loss.
While it is never easy to watch someone’s last moments, I believe it is important that our community has a clear picture of what we know so far. I also want to acknowledge that the investigative process is in the beginning stages.
Over the coming months, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) will conduct a full, independent investigation of this incident. Then, the APD Office of Professional Standards and Accountability (OPSA) will conduct an internal investigation that will be reviewed by Akron’s Independent Police Auditor’s office.
I am committed to making sure our community continues to have robust, open conversations about public safety, in order to strengthen a collective sense of safety in Akron.
My thoughts remain with the loved ones of Mr. Jones, and with the officers involved."
Reaction from Councilman-at-Large Eric D. Garrett Sr.
Saturday evening, Councilman-at-Large Eric D. Garrett Sr. issued a statement after reviewing the body camera footage.
In his statement, Garrett said the gun on Jones was not found until after he had died and said due to that, Jones did not have to die.
"After reviewing the body-worn camera footage, it is heartbreakingly clear that Michael Jones did not have to die," Garrett said in the statement. "The weapon in question was only discovered after he was shot and killed, then the officer removed it from Mr. Jones pocket and placed it in the front seat, to create a narrative that the gun was the reason for the shooting, this gives me pause! This incident underscores the urgent need to change how police officers respond to situations."
Garrett said that this is the second shooting involving an Akron Police officer in less than four years, and he is calling upon the Department of Justice to review the practices of the Akron Police Department.
He also said he stands with the man's family and wants to hold the Akron officers accountable.
"I stand with Mr. Jones' family during this incredibly difficult time. The pain of losing a loved one in such a manner is unimaginable," Garrett said. "I also call for transparency in the investigation by the state's Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the internal review by the Akron Police Department. We must hold our officers accountable while ensuring justice is served."
You can read Garrett's full statement below:
The officer
Akron police said the officer involved, a two-and-a-half-year veteran of the department, has been placed on paid administrative leave.
RELATED: 54-year-old man shot, killed by Akron Police officer Saturday morning
Response from the family's attorney
Bobby DiCello and the DiCello Levitt Team, the attorney for Jones and his children, have released a statement regarding the body camera video released on Saturday:
“The children of Michael Donnell Jones had a private viewing of the video which showed the last, tragic moments of Michael’s life, and were devastated by what they saw. They struggle to understand why the officers leapt into the truck, why they then tased him, and why they shot him, especially when Michael made no threats toward them of any kind.
It appears the officers tased Michael and shot him, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
Michael’s children were most impacted by Michael’s last moments as he was dragged out of the truck and appeared to brace himself as he was thrown onto the pavement where he died.
Michael’s children are committed to getting justice for Michael, and they urge the City of Akron to hold the officers accountable.”
