Every Wednesday, Bobby DiBiasio of the Cleveland Guardians joins Ray to talk baseball. This week, they talked about the Base Stealing King, Kenny Lofton, they went back to the 60's to talk about the controversial trade of Rocky Colavito, and they talked about the current team.
Officers Involved in Jayland Walker Shooting Will Not Face Criminal Charges following Special Grand Jury Decision
Written by Katie Lee
The eight officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker last June will not face criminal charges. That was the decision made by the special grand jury, which returned a no-bill decision yesterday in the Summit County Common Pleas Court, meaning the jurors found that the actions taken by the officers involved in the shooting were legally justified.
Attorney General Dave Yost held a press conference via Zoom at 3:30 pm to announce the decision. During the conference Yost gave a summary of the events that occurred June 27th, 2022 when Walker was killed, according to evidence gathered by the BCI investigation.
The series of events began when police initiated a traffic stop of Walker’s vehicle. According to police, Walker fled in his vehicle from officers and gave chase, firing a gunshot from his vehicle during the chase. Yost said that Walker exited his vehicle through the passenger side door, wearing a ski mask, and ignored commands to stop and show his hands. Officers tried unsuccessfully to use stun guns to subdue him.
Yost says that Walker then “reached for his waistband in what several officers described as a cross-draw motion, planted his foot and turned toward the officers while raising his hand. Only then did the officers fire, believing Mr. Walker was firing again at them.”
Yost noted that the officers did not know that Walker was unarmed at the time and that the reach to his waistband was interpreted as a threat, saying that, "The law allows officers to use deadly force to defend themselves or others against a deadly threat.”
Yost added that while Walker’s shooting may have been legally justified his death is still a tragedy saying, "I grieve the loss of this promising young life, though I recognize no words of mine will offer comfort to the family," he said.
The Akron Police Department is still set to do an internal investigation into the shooting to determine if the officers involved violated any internal policies and procedures.
Yost's remarks are available here
BCI case files for the Jayland Walker case are availabe to view here
The Grand Jury has decided that the police officers involved in the death of Jayland Walker will not face charges. Mayor Dan Horrigan joined Ray to talk about the case, the internal investigation that is now beginning, and how the city will move forward.
The Akron School Board is in search of a new member. Following the resignation of board member N.J. Akbar, who resigned to take a new position, the board is looking to fill Akbar’s vacant seat quickly and asking anyone who is interested to apply by noon on Wednesday, April 19th.
As the Akron Beacon Journal reports, whoever fills the open position will be one of 7 members involved in major decisions in the coming months including the selection of a new superintendent. The board hopes to approve the new member by Monday, April 24th, unless they determine that more time is needed.
Candidates for the position must be at least 18 years old, a US citizen, and reside within the boundaries of Akron Public Schools. If interested you can submit a resume and letter of interest to the Interim Treasurer Todd Adkins at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To view the full job posting click here.
Rep. Sykes on Grand Jury, 100 Days in Office, & More
Written by Steffany MurdockRepresentative Emilia Sykes joined Ray. They talked about the Grand Jury in the Jayland Walker case and about Emilia's first 100 days in office.
Golf Pro, Dan Dauk, joins Ray every Friday with tips and info for golfers. Today, they talk about wedges.
Golf Pro, Dan Dauk, joins Ray every Friday to talk about local golf courses. This week, they talk about Boulder Creek Golf Club in Streetsboro.
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-4-14-23: New Summer Robotics Program at KSU Featured
Written by Jeanne Destro
Something new and exciting coming up at Kent State University; a new summer robotics program open to undergrad students from all over the country, paid for by a $450 thousand dollar grant from the National Science Foundation.
Dr. Joycelyn Harrison, Kent State University
Dr. Ye Lu, Kent State University
Attorney Dean Carro joined Ray to discuss the Grand Jury, how it's put together, and the Jayland Walker case.
Guardians Broadcaster, Jim Rosenhaus, joins Ray on Fridays for Bases & Balls! Ray and Rosey discuss the rule changes and the impacts they're having, the team, and more!
More...
FirstEnergy No More: Now It's "Cleveland Browns Stadium"
Written by Jeanne Destro
FirstEnergy Corp. and the Cleveland Browns have announced that they have reached an amicable decision to end their stadium naming rights agreement, but they did not release any further details on the terms and conditions of their agreement.
In a release, FirstEnergy Interim President and CEO, John Somerhalter said "Together with the Browns, we have worked to enrich our communities while increasing awareness of FirstEnergy as an energy leader. Since we signed this agreement 10 years ago, our priorities have shifted as the company evolved from a competitive energy supplier to a fully regulated utility, and as a result, our corporate initiatives must also evolve. Like the rest of northeast Ohio, we remain passionate Browns fans and will cheer them on in upcoming seasons. We also look forward to maintaining our deep relationships with civic, arts and other organizations to bring good energy to our communities."
Dave Jenkins, Haslam Sports Group COO said "We've had a great association with FirstEnergy for more than two decades, and we appreciate this partnership and what it has created for our team and the broader northeast Ohio community. We reached this amicable agreement that is consistent with the productive relationship we have always enjoyed, and we wish FirstEnergy success with their future initiatives. Our home stadium will return to its former name, Cleveland Browns Stadium."
Akron Municipal Buildings Closing at 5PM Friday As Precaution Against Potentially Violent Demonstrations Downtown
Written by Jeanne Destro
In anticipation of potentially disruptive demonstrations that could arise from a decision on whether or not there should be criminal charges filed against Akron police in connection with last year's shooting of Jayland Walker; the City of Akron is suspending public access to City’s Municipal Building (166 S. High St.) and the Harold K. Stubbs Building (217 S. High St.), until further notice starting tomorrow (Friday, April 14) at 5:00 PM.
In a press release, officials say City services will continue as normal without interruption, but the building will be closed to protect city employees, the public, and the continuity of city operations.
This change in access will also impact Akron City Council who typically meet in person at the Akron Municipal Building on Mondays. Those meetings will be held virtually until the building reopens for public access. For more information on how to sign up for public comment or to watch city council meetings, please visit akroncitycouncil.org.
To find out more about how police plan to balance the public's right to peacefully demonstrate, maintain order, and protect public safety, listen now to Ray Horner's conversation with Akron Police Lt. Mike Miller:
Anyone in need of mental health resources, is encouraged to click here or call 2-1-1 to get connected to support options.
In addition, the City’s Akronupdates.com site now includes a sign up to receive email notifications for any updates to the page including safety information, road closures, and more.
Akron Police Seek Multiple Shooters In Murder
Written by Jeanne Destro
Based on finding more than two dozen shells at the scene; Akron police say there may have been more than one shooter involved in the murder of 24 year old Tyson Arnold of Akron, whose body was found in a canal behind an apartment complex Wednesday, April 12, in the 700 block of Flemming Drive.
The Summit County Medical Examiner's office reports the cause of Tyson's death was a gunshot wound to the chest, and has ruled it a homicide.
Police say that two vehicles were also struck by gunfire, no suspects have yet been identified, and they are asking for tips from the public to help them find out who did it.
If you have any information, contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490, or 330-375-2Tip.
You can also also provide anonymous information to any of the following:
1. The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS
2. Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637
3. Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips41, or by accessing the link on the Akron Police website: www.AkronCops.org
*This story was updated at 1:29 PM, 4-13-23
Rep. Emilia Sykes Hosts Open House at New District Office
Written by Katie Lee
You’re invited! Congresswoman Emila Sykes is celebrating the grand opening of her District Office with an open house. Constituents are invited to stop by, meet the team, and celebrate the community.
Sykes, who was sworn into Congress in January, is the U.S. House representative for District 13, which includes the City of Akron. Her new district office is located in Akron at 121 South Main Street, Suite 107. Today’s open house will take place from 4pm to 7pm.
Click here for more information and to RSVP.