An Akron police officer has come under scrutiny after shooting a 15-year-old boy who was holding a fake gun, as shown in newly released body-camera footage. The incident occurred on April 1, when Officer Ryan Vayda Westlake stopped the teenager and shot him in the wrist within seconds of the encounter. The officer is currently on paid leave as state officials investigate the incident.

The footage, released on Monday, reveals the teenager, identified as Tavion Koonce-Williams, repeatedly screaming "It's fake!" while complying with Officer Westlake's commands. Tavion's voice cracks, and he begins to cry as he gets on the ground. Akron Police Captain Michael Miller confirmed that the gun was indeed fake.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, who released the footage along with Officer Westlake's personnel file, has promised transparency in the ongoing investigation. The personnel file revealed several disciplinary actions, including one use-of-force incident deemed unreasonable. This incident follows a previous incident in which Officer Westlake pointed his firearm at his girlfriend and was subsequently reinstated after a suspension.

The release of the body-camera footage has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Tavion's attorney, Imokhai Okolo, stated that his client is a high school student who is now dealing with the trauma of being profiled and shot. The director of an Akron-based Black advocacy group has demanded Officer Westlake's termination, while the local Fraternal Order of Police chapter maintains that he acted within policy and procedure.

The incident began when a woman reported seeing a man pointing a gun at houses in east Akron. Officer Westlake located Tavion at 7:11 p.m., asking to see his hands before drawing his gun and firing a shot just three and a half seconds later. Responding officers provided immediate medical assistance to Tavion, including applying a tourniquet to his injured arm.

Questions have been raised about the justification for the use of force against a 15-year-old holding a fake gun. Tavion's attorney highlighted that Ohio is an open-carry state and questioned how a child complying with police instructions could be shot. The shooting has drawn comparisons to the 2014 killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was shot by Cleveland police while holding a pellet gun.

The investigation into the incident will involve multiple agencies. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will conduct an inquiry and present its findings to the Ohio Attorney General's Office for review. The information will then be evaluated by the Summit County grand jury. Additionally, the Akron Police Department will conduct an independent investigation to be shared with the police chief and the city's independent police auditor.

Mayor Malik expressed gratitude that the injuries were not life-threatening and underscored the importance of a thorough investigation. The community awaits the outcome of the investigation as they seek justice for Tavion's ordeal.