Akron protests

The lawsuit filed on behalf of 24 plaintiffs claims false arrest and infringement on First Amendment rights during mass arrests by Akron police officers last summer.

After the April 19 justice for Jayland protest that resulted in pepper spray and tear gas used by police against protesters, some Akron leaders have called for more communication between law enforcement and protesters. Some protesters say that's not an option.

Ward 4 Akron City Councilmember Russ Neal happened upon the protest right after the police arrived. He says protesters should be able to demonstrate in their own communities but understands first responders' concerns about emergency vehicles getting through protests.

About 150 protesters were marching peacefully on Copley Road in West Akron when police officers with the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff's Office arrived and dispersed the crowd using tear gas and pepper spray.

A Summit County special grand jury has ruled there was not enough credible evidence to charge the any of the officers with a crime.

About a dozen community members prayed and called for peace outside the Justice Center in downtown Akron Tuesday night.

Da'Shika Street, owner of Street Craftery, removed the protective plywood covering her storefront window Tuesday, one of the first downtown businesses to do so. Her DIY craft store opened July 1, but she closed the following day due to tense protests over the death of Jayland Walker.

Attorney Bobby DiCello says the city is focusing the blame on Walker. Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Police Chief Steve Mylett say that was not their intention.

Despite a call from Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan to pause protests for 48 hours, demonstrators gathered near police headquarters downtown.

The Akron curfew was reinstated Thursday night in anticipation of ongoing protests over the weekend; Community activists are speaking out about Akron police responding with unwarranted aggression to peaceful protesters; and more stories.