Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said people are spreading misinformation on social media about his officers and the Jayland Walker police shooting and protests.
Beacon Journal news partner News 5 Cleveland reports that Mylett said one officer is being falsely accused of being involved in the shooting of Walker and another in the punching of a protester.
“They are encouraging people to go to these officers’ homes and hurt the officers and their families,” Mylett said in the interview with News 5. “Both are accused of doing things they didn’t do. This has caused a reaction in their personal lives. And it’s impacting everybody in this police department.”
False claims are circulating, chief says
One officer accused of being among the eight officers who shot and killed Walker on June 27 actually was on scene after the shooting to write a report, Mylett said.
Jayland Walker:What we know — and still don’t know — about the police shooting death
A second officer was falsely named as the officer seen on videos punching a protester, Mylett said.
“He’s accused of being the one who punched the person in the face,” Mylett told News 5. “He didn’t, that’s not him.”
Mylett said he is afraid of a mass resignation of officers and that the false claims have increased community tensions.
“The city is working hard to get as much information into the public’s hands,” he said in the interview. “But we have been walled off.”
Chief seeks tips in death of Journei Tolbert
Mylett also spoke about the Friday night death of 4-year-old Journei Tolbert as a “prime example” of having police involved in the community.
“Somebody knows who the shooters are, please call us, please call us,” Mylett said. “Bring justice for Journei.”
Police are asking anyone with information to call detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip; call the Summit County Crime Stoppers at 330-434-COPS; or text TIPSCO with tips to 274637. Callers can remain anonymous.
* Article from: beaconjournal.com
