AKRON, Ohio – On April 1, an Akron police officer shot Tavion Koonce-Williams, 15, while he was walking home with a toy gun. On Friday, the Akron teen and his family gathered to address the press, his wrist still bandaged from the incident.
The family’s attorney said they are demanding justice and the swift termination of the officer responsible, Ryan Westlake. Tavion’s mother, Angel Williams, said the entire experience has been traumatizing not only for Tavion but also for the entire family. “Akron Police Department needs to be held accountable for the excessive force that you use on our Black babies,” Angel said. “[We] are sick and tired of watching our babies die at the hands of people who swore an oath to protect and serve.”
James Koonce, father of Tavion, also spoke at the conference. “While I am grateful to God that he was only shot once in his wrist, I can only help to wonder what would or could have happened.”
Day of The Shooting
Tavion was walking through an Akron neighborhood on his way home from a family member’s funeral. A woman walking her dog called 911 after seeing Tavion waving a gun around, which turned out to be a toy replica. Before the officer exited his vehicle, Tavion had already dropped the fake weapon. The officer then asked Tavion where he was coming from and asked him to raise his hands. That’s when the officer, identified as Ryan Westlake, drew his weapon and fired at Tavion. The bullet hit his wrist and he began to shout, “It’s fake.”
Bodycam footage captures several other officers arriving at the scene immediately after shots were fired. Westlake placed handcuffs on the teen before another officer instructed him to take them off. After removing the handcuffs, Tavion repeats to the officers that the gun is a fake. Authorities then used a tourniquet on Tavion’s arm to help slow the bleeding on his wrist.
Later in the video, the Akron teen says, “I’m a good kid. I get straight As in school. I play football. I just wanted to be safe; my cousin just died.” He also informs the police that his grandmother lives down the street.
The Akron Police Department has placed Westlake on paid administrative leave.
Officer History of Excessive Force
Prior to his encounter with the Akron teen, Officer Ryan Westlake had several past incidents that led to disciplinary action.
On Monday, April 8, Mayor Shammas Malik released a statement and Westlake’s personnel file to offer transparency.
“The officer’s file includes a number of disciplinary actions and use of force incidents, one of which has been deemed unreasonable. Additionally, the city anticipates having further information to release in the coming weeks.”
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One of the files detailed three separate occasions when Westlake received suspensions. In January 2021, an off-duty incident involved Westlake drunkenly brandishing his weapon. He later admitted to pointing the muzzle of his gun at his girlfriend.
On March 14, 2021, he used profane and harsh language while on duty, going against the department’s code of conduct. The file also describes Westlake using a homophobic slur.
The accumulation of these events led to a 71-day non-paid suspension. Westlake attempted to appeal his suspension. Former Akron Mayor Daniel Horrigan terminated Westlake’s position in July of 2021. However, this didn’t last long and the decision was rescinded the following day.
The family’s legal representative concluded Friday’s press conference by saying, “Tavion, his family, the Okolo Law Firm, and everyone standing behind us are coming for justice, are coming for accountability and we will not rest until it comes.”
