The city of Akron, Ohio, released video footage of a police officer shooting a 15-year-old boy who was holding what his family claims was a toy gun. The officer, Ryan Westlake, shot Tavion Koonce-Williams in the wrist after responding to a call about a person pointing a gun at houses. The police department later confirmed that the gun Tavion was carrying was a “facsimile.”
The video shows Westlake approaching Tavion and asking to see his hands before shooting him seconds later. Tavion can be heard saying, “It’s fake, I just wanted to be safe,” as he raised his hands in the air. Westlake ordered him to drop to the ground, and Tavion complied, with blood visible on his wrist. The entire interaction lasted four minutes, during which Tavion explained that he had come from his cousin’s funeral.
Westlake’s personnel file revealed a history of disciplinary actions and the use of force incidents, including multiple suspensions for inappropriate behavior and off-duty incidents involving intoxication. In May 2021, he was suspended for 71 days for various incidents, including brandishing his firearm towards his girlfriend while intoxicated. Despite being terminated, Westlake was reinstated the following day after reaching an agreement with the city and the police union.
The Fraternal Order of Police, Akron Lodge 7, defended Westlake’s actions, stating that he acted within policy and procedure according to his training. They emphasized that Westlake and other officers immediately began rendering medical treatment to Tavion after the shooting. The family’s attorney, Imokhai Okolo, demanded justice and accountability for Tavion, stressing that he obeyed all of the officer’s commands before being shot.
The family plans to hold a press conference to demand justice and accountability for Tavion. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the use of force incident, with their findings to be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and presented to a Summit County Grand Jury. Additionally, the Akron Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will conduct an internal investigation. Okolo reiterated that Black boys deserve to grow up and live without the constant threat of being profiled and shot by the police.
Overall, the shooting of Tavion Koonce-Williams by Akron police officer Ryan Westlake has raised concerns about police use of force and accountability. The release of the video footage and the officer’s disciplinary history have sparked calls for justice and transparency from the community. The investigation into the incident will determine whether the shooting was justified and whether any further action should be taken against Westlake. In the meantime, the family continues to seek answers and justice for Tavion’s shooting.
