Residents press Akron City Council for measurable police reform and a review in a fatal case

Dozens of Akron residents used the public-comment portion of the City Council meeting to press elected officials for tangible progress on police reform and to ask for further review in a local homicide case.

"Where is the measurable progress?" asked William Reynolds, an Akron resident and advocate, saying that while forums and statements have been held, "clear structural reform that builds lasting trust has not materialized." Reynolds told the council that reform should include improved transparency and data reporting, strengthened oversight, complaint handling and alternative (nonarmed) response options for some 911 calls. He said a recent tractor-trailer officer-involved shooting "appears based on available information to have been justified," but argued that a few justified incidents do not eliminate the need for broader reform.

Carl Buck, another resident, used his time to criticize the council's recent approval of a drug-distribution site he described as being at a CVS on Portage Trail Extension. He said public hearings recorded extensive opposition—"over 40 people who said no and only 1 yes"—and warned the approval may prompt litigation and safety problems at the nearby intersection.

Family members of a homicide victim asked the council to help seek justice. A speaker identified as Davion Kidd said his family has "multiple confessions" and other evidence that, in their view, shows the death of Tashar Williams was not self-defense. Chardonnay Williams, who said she was speaking on behalf of her daughter, described the case as "wrongful murder" and asked the council to request a different prosecutor to review the case; she cited an incident date given in her remarks as Oct. 27, 2025.

Another commenter, identified in the meeting as Yanos, framed the issue in broader historical terms, citing local cases and alleging that systemic bias and aggressive policing practices have harmed Black families. He warned that residents would seek political change at the ballot box.

Council members received the comments during the public-comment period. No formal council action was recorded on the policing proposals or the requests about the homicide; the council concluded public comment and moved on to the consent agenda, which passed by a recorded 13–0 vote.

The council did not schedule a vote or direct staff on the reform items during the meeting. The family members' request for prosecutorial review likewise did not produce an immediate procedural outcome recorded in the meeting minutes.