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Bodycam Footage Raises Questions After Akron Police Fatally Shoot 15-Year-Old Jazmir Tucker on Thanksgiving
Newly released bodycam footage from the Akron Police Department reveals troubling details and unanswered questions about the fatal Thanksgiving shooting of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker by police.
The Shooting Incident
The footage begins with officers running toward Tucker, weapons drawn, including one officer armed with an AR-15-style rifle who fired the fatal shot. Notably, the first 30 seconds of the video are silent, and Tucker is not visible until officers handcuff him.
Following the shooting, officers repeatedly shouted commands such as “Stop moving” and “Put your hands out.” One officer claimed Tucker was “reaching with his right hand” and had a handgun on his right hip. Police later recovered a firearm from Tucker’s zipped coat pocket.
According to the police report, the two officers were responding to gunshots heard while parked near East Avenue and Vernon Odom Boulevard around 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving. They encountered Tucker, whom they believed had fired shots.
Concerns Over Bodycam Activation and Use of Force
Mayor Shammas Malik criticized the officers for failing to activate their body cameras upon exiting their cruiser, leaving critical moments without audio. The cameras were only activated automatically by a nearby cruiser with flashing lights. Malik has called for an internal investigation into this lapse.
Malik also raised questions about the use of rifles instead of handguns during the encounter and expressed concern about the delay in rendering first aid to Tucker. “Any unreasonable delay in rendering aid is unacceptable and has no place in Akron,” Malik said.
Police and Community Response
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding acknowledged public concerns over the shooting, bodycam footage, and delay in aid. “Our community, our department, and most importantly, Jazmir’s family deserve and need answers,” Harding stated. He supports a comprehensive review of the department’s use-of-force policies.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is handling the case, with findings to be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General and Akron Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability.
Community Outrage and Calls for Reform
The incident has sparked protests in Akron, with activists planning demonstrations in downtown Akron. Residents and community leaders, including Akron City Council President Margo Sommerville, have called for improved police training and youth mentorship programs to address systemic issues.
At a recent memorial service, residents expressed grief and mistrust of the police. “This is heartbreaking because I have a 15-year-old son,” said Tia Ray. “This is his friend... he doesn’t trust the police now.”
The city has assured the public that peaceful protests will be supported, while cautioning against unlawful activities.
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