Residents demand accountability after Akron officer kills 15-year-old; attorney files criminal complaint and council weighs use-of-force review

At an Akron City Council meeting, residents demanded accountability and transparency after the fatal police shooting of 15‑year‑old Jasmere Tucker and an attorney said he filed a criminal complaint naming the officer involved.

Doctor Richard Montgomery, who said he filed a complaint in Summit County under Ohio Revised Code 2935.09, told the council that statute allows a private citizen to submit evidence directly to a judge to determine whether probable cause exists. "If the judge finds probable cause, they can issue a criminal charge, even if the prosecutor won't," Montgomery said.

The complaint names Officer Devon Fields, Montgomery said. "Officer Devon Fields shot a child who was fleeing ... unarmed at the time and not threatening anyone," Montgomery said. He also criticized the council's recently adopted public comment policy, saying it limits speakers to 10 per meeting and bans them for 30 days, and told the council he intends to pursue discovery in federal court over the policy.

Residents at the meeting repeatedly called for answers and action. William Reynolds used a running clock to say it had been "173 days, 19 hours, 39 minutes and 8 seconds" since the shooting and accused the city of providing "paid administrative leave" instead of accountability. Donnell Hilton said, "Justice denied is justice denied," and warned that withheld accountability can drive people to seek other means of recourse.

Representatives of the Fraternal Order of Police also spoke. Matt Whitmire, speaking for the FOP, urged recognition of officers' difficult working conditions and raised retention and pay concerns, saying Akron officers earn substantially less than those in nearby cities: "Other cities to include Cleveland make $14,000 more a year than Akron Police Officers." Whitmire also criticized a proposed across‑the‑board pay change and said contract negotiations would move to conciliation.

The council's agenda included Item 5, an ordinance to authorize the mayor or designee to contract for a comprehensive review of the Akron Police Department’s use‑of‑force policy. During the meeting, Councilman McKittrick asked that "time be granted" for the committee on that item; the committee requested time and no final vote on the ordinance occurred that night.

Speakers, including Montgomery and family members of the deceased, repeatedly asked for a full investigative report, grand jury action, and criminal accountability. Montgomery said the filing under Ohio Revised Code 2935.09 was intended to "put justice back in the hands of the people." Whitmire and other officers warned that public criticism could harm recruitment and retention.

No council vote on an outcome related to the criminal complaint or a standalone policy change occurred during the meeting. The ordinance to commission a comprehensive review of use‑of‑force policy remained under committee consideration.