'I'm gonna knock you the f*** out!' Lone motorcyclist says protesters attacked him from behind, threatened him as they blocked Akron streets



A motorcyclist told police a group of protesters physically attacked from behind, knocked him to the ground, and damaged his motorcycle as they blocked an Akron, Ohio, street Tuesday night, WEWS-TV reported.

What are the details?

Police told the station several "agitators" in the group stopped traffic in the area, and the 35-year-old motorcyclist added to cops that he was heading down South High Street around 8:30 p.m. when protesters threatened him and told him to turn around.

Two or more people then attacked the motorcyclist from behind, WEWS reported, adding that he was knocked to the ground and assaulted.

Police said the motorcyclist suffered "significant" facial injuries and that his motorcycle was damaged. The victim drove himself to a hospital for treatment, WOIO-TV reported.

Here's cellphone video purportedly of the attack, though it's shot from a distance. However, the clip does show the injured motorcyclist — with a bloody face and shirt — close up after the attack. Content warning: Profanity:

\u201cakron blm attacking biker\u201d
— DEMOCRACYFAN129 (@DEMOCRACYFAN129) 1659023068

In the clip, protesters are heard threatening the injured motorcyclist as he gathers his shoe, sunglasses, and cap:

  • "Turn the f*** around, dumbass!"
  • "You tried to run her the f*** over! If you do it again, I'm gonna knock you the f*** out!"
  • "Get the f*** outta here, bitch!"
  • "Now get on your f***in' bike and turn it around! If you don't, I'm gonna hit you again! I asked nicely! I promise you! I warned you! Tryin' to prove a point to your white friends and got your ass beat!"

As of Wednesday evening, no arrests have been made, the WEWS said, adding that those with information about the case can call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau with anonymous tips at 330-375-COPS or CrimeStoppers at 330-434-COPS.

Anything else?

Police said that after the attack on the motorcyclist, the caravan of protesters left the area and traveled to other neighborhoods "causing disturbances, creating safety concerns, and obstructing the flow of traffic," WEWS reported.

In the video of the attack, one of the protesters uttered the N-word after saying "Jayland Walker" to the motorcyclist — a reference to the black motorist who was fatally shot by Akron police in late June.

WEWS reported that protesters have been in the city since Walker's death, and Akron officials twice instituted curfews after agitators damaged downtown businesses amid protests.

Jayland Walker Was Not An ‘Unarmed Black Man’

It’s long past time for the media and the Black Lives Matter crew to give up the knee-jerk reaction to defend every single black male.

Akron police release bodycam video of fatal shooting of Jayland Walker – who suffered '60 to 80' wounds; 8 involved officers placed on administrative leave



Ohio authorities released bodycam video of the fatal police shooting of 25-year-old Jayland Walker.

Early Monday morning, police attempted to pull over Walker for traffic and equipment violations in Akron, according to the department. However, Walker reportedly disregarded law enforcement and led them on a chase. As many as 10 police cruisers were chasing Walker around 12:30 a.m., according to the Akron Journal Beacon.

Police said officers "reported a firearm being discharged from the suspect vehicle" during their pursuit.

Walker jumped out of his vehicle as the car was rolling forward, and police chased him on foot. Police say Walker was wearing a ski mask when he exited the vehicle. Cops attempted to stop Walker by using stun guns, but they were ineffective. Police then opened fire on Walker.

Walker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eight police officers were directly involved in the shooting, and have since been placed on administrative leave.

An attorney for Walker's family, Bobby DiCello, told the Akron Beacon Journal on Saturday that the 25-year-old suffered "60 to 80 wounds."

"He is just in a down sprint when he is dropped by I think the count is more than 90 shots," DiCello said. "Now how many of those land, according to our investigation right now, we're getting details that suggest 60 to 80 wounds."

"Actions by the suspect caused the officers to perceive he posed a deadly threat to them,” police said, according to NBC News. “In response to this threat, officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.”

Akron Police Chief Stephen Mylett said Walker was unarmed when eight officers shot at him. He added that a gun was recovered from inside Walker's car.

USA Today reported, "Video from the scene showed a gun on the front seat of Walker's car, and Mylett said video did appear to show the flash of a gun from Walker's car during the chase. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting the investigation at the request of Akron police."

DiCello said he had yet to see any evidence that Walker shot at police officers.

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said Walker died from multiple gunshot wounds, and ruled the death as a homicide.

Akron police released bodycam video of the deadly police shooting on Sunday afternoon. DiCello said that he and the family had already reviewed the bodycam footage before the video was released to the public.

DiCello called the video "brutal," he added that the bodycam footage would "stir up some passion" and is "going to make people uneasy."

The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation will lead the probe into the deadly use of force by the police.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and the FBI field office in Akron were "closely monitoring and reviewing the circumstances" surrounding Walker's death.

"The FBI continues to coordinate with state and local partners to provide resources and specialized skills," the Department of Justice said in a statement. "If the evidence reveals potential violations of federal criminal statutes, the Justice Department will take appropriate action.”

Mylett said of the video, "It was difficult to watch and shocking."

Mylett said he is not "going to pass judgment" until the investigation is complete.

Officials in Akron have already canceled several Fourth of July festivities in preparation for protests. There have already been several protests by racial justice advocates.

Walker's family called for peaceful protests in the wake of their son's death.

Akron Mayor Daniel Horrigan said, "The video is heartbreaking, it's hard to take in. He pleaded for calm and for patience while the investigation is underway.

Of the canceled Independence Day festival, Horrigan said, "I feel strongly that this is not the time for a city-led celebration."

(WARNING: Graphic video)

\u201cNOW - Police have released bodycam footage of the shooting of Jayland Walker in Akron, Ohio.\n\nWalker was unarmed at the time of the shooting, but a gun was found in the car, police says.\u201d
— Disclose.tv (@Disclose.tv) 1656869885