close
close

Body camera footage shows the shooting of Michael Donnell Jones by Akron police

On Saturday afternoon, Akron police released bodycam footage of a police shooting that occurred last weekend and left 54-year-old Michael Donnell Jones dead.

What happened

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on August 17 in the parking lot of a gas station in the 2200 block of East Avenue in Akron.

According to police, Jones was shot by an Akron police officer while investigating a theft of the vehicle.

You can watch the footage in the player below. Warning: The video contains graphic content and we recommend watching it with caution.

Authorities release bodycam video of Akron police shooting of Michael Donnell Jones

Body camera footage shows the officer approaching a U-Haul truck with Jones in the driver's seat. After the officer ordered Jones to get out of the truck, a brief struggle ensued. Jones put the truck in gear and the vehicle drove forward, briefly dragging the officer along. At one point, the officer fired his weapon.

Witnesses told News 5 that the U-Haul was turning onto the street when the shots were fired. An officer fired two shots, hitting Jones, police said.

Officers administered first aid, but Jones was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, police said.

An initial department press release after the shooting said a loaded gun was recovered from the vehicle. An updated department press release on Saturday said, “Body camera footage released today indicates that an officer found the weapon on or near Mr. Jones after he was recovered from the vehicle.”

Reaction from the Mayor of Akron

On Saturday evening, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik issued a statement after reviewing the bodycam footage.

In his testimony, Malik said that the gun was found on Jones after his death and that Jones therefore did not have to die.

“After reviewing the body-worn camera footage, it is heartbreakingly clear that Michael Jones did not have to die,” Malik said in the statement. “The gun in question was not discovered until after he was shot. The officer then removed it from Mr. Jones' pocket and placed it in the front seat to construct a story in which the gun was the reason for the shooting. This gives me pause! This incident highlights the urgent need to change the way police officers respond to situations.”

Malik said this was the second shooting involving an Akron police officer in four years, and he called on the Justice Department to review Akron police practices.

He also said he stands with Jones' family and wants to hold Akron officials accountable.

“I stand with Mr. Jones' family during this incredibly difficult time. The pain of losing a loved one in this manner is unimaginable,” Malik said. “I also call for transparency in the investigation by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the internal review by the Akron Police Department. We must hold our officers accountable while ensuring justice is served.”

Earlier that same day, Malik had made the following statement regarding the released bodycam footage:

“Today, the Akron Police Department released body camera and surveillance camera footage from the officer-involved shooting last Saturday that resulted in the death of 54-year-old Michael Jones. My sincere condolences go out to his family.

While it is never easy to witness someone's final moments, I believe it is important that our community has a clear picture of what we know so far. I would also like to point out that the investigation process is still in its early stages.

In the coming months, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) will conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into this incident. Following this, the APD Office of Professional Standards and Accountability (OPSA) will conduct an internal investigation that will be reviewed by the Akron Independent Police Auditor's Office.

I am committed to ensuring that our community continues to have robust and open conversations about public safety to strengthen the collective sense of safety in Akron.

My thoughts are with Mr Jones’ family and the officers involved.”

Akron police said the officer involved, who has worked for the department for two and a half years, has been placed on paid administrative leave.

54-year-old man shot dead by Akron police on Saturday morning

RELATED: 54-year-old man shot dead by Akron police on Saturday morning

Response from Jones' lawyer

Bobby DiCello and the DiCello Levitt Team, the attorney for Jones and his children, released a statement on the bodycam video released Saturday:

“The children of Michael Donnell Jones have privately viewed the video of the final, tragic moments of Michael's life and were devastated by what they saw. They cannot understand why the police jumped into the truck, why they then tasered him, and why they shot him, especially since Michael had made no threats to them.

Apparently the officers stunned Michael with a taser and shot him, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
Michael's children were most affected by Michael's final moments, as he was dragged from the truck and apparently held on as he was thrown to the sidewalk where he died.
Michael's children are committed to seeking justice for Michael and are calling on the City of Akron to hold officers accountable.”

We are moving through

Do you have a story you'd like us to follow? Let us know.

You may also like...