Steve Mylett

Harding has served as acting chief since January, when former Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett retired. His swearing in follows a tumultuous search.

One year ago, an attempted traffic stop in Akron ended in a car chase and eight police officers shooting and killing Jayland Walker, a 25 year old, unarmed Black man.

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.

Kemp Boyd, director of Love Akron, will serve as the chair of the citizen police oversight board.

At-Large Councilwoman Linda Omobien said police "murdered" Jayland Walker in a recent council meeting. The shooting is under investigation and no charges have been filed.

Akron City Council passed a resolution Monday evening that supports the purchase and installation of dashboard cameras for the Akron Police Department.

Walker died from blood loss, and toxicology reports were negative for drugs or alcohol in his system, Kohler said. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

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.

Walker's family released a statement through their attorney calling for an end to the violent tactics used by Akron police against peaceful protestors; Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information in the death of a four-year-old in an unrelated shooting in Akron; Mayor Dan Horrigan and Police Chief Stephen Mylett start daily online "safety" briefings Monday on their response to protests.

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