Police in Akron, Ohio, recently released video footage of an officer shooting a 15-year-old boy who was holding what his family claimed was a toy gun. The incident occurred on April 1 when Officer Ryan Westlake responded to a call about a person pointing a gun at houses. The teen, Tavion Koonce-Williams, was shot in the wrist and taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. The police department later confirmed that the gun the teen was carrying was a “facsimile.”
The released video showed Westlake approaching Tavion in his patrol car and asking to see his hands. Moments later, Westlake pointed his weapon at Tavion and fired a shot while the teen had his hands up, yelling that the gun was fake. Tavion complied with the officer’s commands to get on the ground and put his hands behind his back, revealing blood on his wrist. The video also captured Westlake attempting to apply a tourniquet and calling for medical help.
In response to the incident, Tavion’s family retained an attorney who stated that the teen had a toy gun and had not posed a threat to anyone. The attorney emphasized that Tavion followed the officer’s commands but was still shot. The family demanded justice and accountability for what they perceived as unjust treatment of Tavion by the Akron Police Department.
The officer involved, Ryan Westlake, had a history of disciplinary actions and use of force incidents, as noted in his personnel file. He had been suspended for various infractions, including using profanity, brandishing a firearm while intoxicated, and exhibiting behavior that discredited the police department. Despite these incidents, Westlake was reinstated after appealing his termination and agreeing to a suspension.
The Fraternal Order of Police in Akron defended Westlake’s actions, stating that he had acted within policy and procedure when using deadly force. They emphasized that the officer had followed his training and immediately rendered medical aid to the suspect after the shooting. The union also criticized anyone who questioned Westlake’s actions as undermining the difficult decisions made by law enforcement officers in dangerous situations.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the use of force incident involving Tavion. The findings will be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and presented to a Summit County Grand Jury. Additionally, the Akron Police Department will conduct an internal investigation into the incident, with the results shared with the chief and Independent Police Auditor for review. The family and their attorney plan to hold a press conference to demand justice and accountability for Tavion.
