Mayor cites medical-aid failure, body-camera violations
Akron, Ohio, officials on Friday fired the police officer who shot and killed a 15-year-old boy in November 2024 and announced the city has agreed to pay $4.75 million to the teen’s family. The settlement, which still requires a judge’s approval, came after the family filed a lawsuit against the city.
Mayor Shammas Malik said Officer Davon Fields was terminated for multiple policy violations, including failing to properly provide medical aid and violating the department’s policy for body-worn cameras. Malik also cited other issues related to a separate criminal allegation involving Fields.
“The loss of life and the circumstances in this case were absolutely tragic, with enormous human and financial costs,” Malik said in a statement. “We have a responsibility to make policy changes that reduce the likelihood of cases like this happening in the future.”
Police have said Tucker was carrying a loaded weapon when he was shot. They said two officers heard gunshots, later spotted Tucker, and ran after him before one officer fired multiple times.
The firing and the settlement were announced the same day, about 21 months after the shooting. The settlement still requires a judge’s approval before the family receives payment.