Jazmir Tucker Obituary, Death: Officer fatally shoots armed 15-year-old after nearby gunfire, authorities say.
Jazmir Tucker Obituary, Death- Authorities in Ohio have identified a 15-year-old as the individual who was fatally shot by an Akron police officer on Thanksgiving night after officers responded to gunfire in the area. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the deceased as Jazmir Tucker, a resident of Maple Heights.
The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. on Thursday in Akron’s Sherbondy Hill neighborhood. Two Akron police officers were sitting in a parked patrol car working on an unrelated report when they heard gunshots nearby. According to a police statement, the officers left their vehicle to investigate and soon encountered Tucker, who was reportedly carrying a loaded firearm. One of the officers fired at Tucker, striking him.
Officers at the scene provided immediate first aid before Tucker was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police department stated that the officer who discharged his weapon, a five-year veteran of the force, and his partner have been placed on paid administrative leave, following standard protocol.
The Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge No. 7 expressed its support for the ongoing investigation, assuring the public in a social media statement that its members are cooperating fully with authorities.
In response to the incident, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik released a statement calling the loss of life a tragedy, especially the death of someone so young. He extended his condolences to Tucker’s family and expressed his support for the Akron police officers and their families during this difficult time. Malik emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to understand the events leading up to the shooting.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has taken over the case, and its findings will be reviewed by the state attorney general’s office before being presented to a Summit County grand jury. Mayor Malik urged the community to reserve judgment until all facts have been made public, acknowledging how challenging this can be in situations involving the death of a minor.
To ensure transparency, Malik announced that body-worn camera footage of the incident would be released within a week. In addition to the BCI investigation, Akron police will conduct an internal review, with the findings to be shared with the police chief and the city’s police auditor.
This incident is part of a broader effort to balance public trust and accountability while determining the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Jazmir Tucker. Both investigations aim to provide clarity, justice, and insights to prevent such occurrences in the future.