Video shows police officer shooting black Ohio teenager holding toy gun; The family compares the case to that of Tamir Rice

An Akron, Ohio, teenager stays traumatized after he was shot by a police officer while holding a fake gun.

Tavion Koonce-Williams’ family compared the incident to the death of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy shot in 2017 by a white police officer who made contact with the boy as he sat in a park gazebo with a toy gun in his hand. waist belt.

“It’s sad that 10 years after the murder of Tamir Rice, we are still here asking the police to see the humanity in our black boys,” said the 15-year-old’s father, James Koonce, – he said at a press conference last Friday, ABC News reports.

Just a number of minutes after 7 p.m. on Monday, April 1, someone walking their dog called 911 and said they saw a black man near Newton St. and Tonawanda Avenue pointing a gun at nearby homes.

Body camera footage shows when police arrived on scene and contacted Koonce-Williams.

“Where are you from? “Can I see your hands real quick,” the Akron officer said as he jumped out of the automobile.

The veteran officer – later identified as Ryan Westlake – immediately shot the teenager.

“It’s a scam. It’s fake,” the teenager shouted repeatedly.

“Shots fired. Shots were fired,” the officer said, then ordered him to “get down on the ground” and put his hands behind his back.

The video shows the teenager bleeding from his wrist as the officer handcuffs him: “My hand hurts,” Koonce-Williams said in pain. The officers who arrived at the scene removed their seat belts and began administering first aid.

“I came from my cousin’s funeral. “Oh my God,” he says to officers at the scene. “I’m a good kid. I get A’s in school. I play football.”

Koonce-Williams was taken to hospital where he received medical attention for his injuries. Westlake, who has been with the department for nine years, has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to the city. The Ohio Bureau of Investigation is actively investigating the case.

According to ABC News, at the press conference, Koonce-Williams’ mother, Angel, expressed the impact the shooting had on their family.

“This experience was very, very traumatic for me, my son, my family, and also the other children,” Angel said. “The Akron Police Department must be held accountable for the excessive force you use against our black children. This is not okay. We are tired of seeing our children die in the hands of people who took an oath to protect and serve.”

It was revealed that Westlake was terminated early from his job in 2021 for violating department policy. Despite this, according to the portal, he was reinstated after an agreement with the police trade union. The family is looking for more stringent disciplinary motion, specifically termination of employment.

Speaking about his client, attorney Imokhai Okolo added: “(He) is currently dealing with the trauma of being profiled and having his life flash before his eyes after being shot.”