AKRON, Ohio – The city has announced that the family of Jayland Walker, a Black man who was shot 46 times by police after fleeing and firing a shot from his car, will receive $4.85 million as part of a settlement from a federal lawsuit.

The payment to the Walker family will be made in four annual installments over the next four years. Additionally, the city will continue reviewing its police policies and practices, according to a statement released on Monday, which included input from Bobby DiCello, the attorney representing the Walker family.

“We all share the same goal: to ensure Akron is a safe place for everyone. There are significant issues that need addressing within our community, and we will make progress together through ongoing commitment, courage, and conversations,” the statement expressed.

The tragic event that sparked weeks of protests and renewed calls for police reform happened on June 27, 2022. Officers attempted to pull over Walker, 25, due to a broken taillight and license plate light. This led to a chase across town during which Walker discharged a firearm from his vehicle before he exited the car, fleeing on foot while wearing a ski mask.

During the chase, eight police officers fired a total of 94 bullets at Walker, who was unarmed when they opened fire, having left his gun inside the vehicle. In April 2023, a grand jury ruled the officers’ use of force as justified and decided not to indict them.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost stated that Walker fired the first shot and indicated that as officers pursued him, he turned and faced them while reaching into his waistband, which led officers to believe he was drawing a weapon.

Bobby DiCello criticized the investigation by the state, claiming it lacked fairness and stating that Walker “never had a chance,” considering the grand jury’s outcome.

In June 2023, the Walker family initiated a lawsuit alleging that excessive force was used and sought $45 million in damages, equating to about $1 million for each bullet that struck Walker. The lawsuit named the city, Mayor Dan Horrigan, Police Chief Steve Mylett, the eight officers involved, and several police supervisors.

Since the filing of the lawsuit, various police policies have been revised. In May, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding declared that officers would no longer be permitted to pursue vehicles solely for minor equipment violations, like broken taillights or cracked windows.

The Walker family’s lawsuit was one of three federal lawsuits that emerged following his death, all of which reached a settlement.

In July, the city reached a settlement with the Akron Bail Fund, agreeing to modify how the Akron Police Department interacts with and manages protesters. The new policies will restrict the use of force, prohibit retribution for free speech, and mandate that police document their actions, as outlined in the settlement.

Additionally, a month earlier, both the city and the University of Akron consented to pay a total of $767,000 to 26 activists arrested during one of the numerous protests held after Walker’s passing.