Who Was Jazmir Tucker? Bodycam Footage Released Of Akron Teenager Teenager Fatally Shot By Police

Jazmir Tucker, a teenager was shot dead by police on Thanksgiving night in Akron, Ohio. Body camera evidence of the shooting was just made public, raising many concerns and additional questions. The mayor and police head of the city conducted a press conference on Friday. The teenager’s lawyers and relatives also gave interviews to the media on Friday.

Who Was Jazmir Tucker?

Jazmir Tucker was a 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot by two Akron police officers on Thanksgiving night. According to authorities, Tucker was armed with a firearm during the incident. He was taken to a hospital after the shooting, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators reported that the incident began at 11 p.m. on November 28, when two officers, responding to gunfire on East Avenue, heard shots while inside their patrol car. They proceeded to investigate the situation.

The police statement revealed that the officers spotted Tucker and pursued him on foot. Body camera footage showed one officer striking the teenager with his firearm.

Police And Mayor Hold Press Conference

During the press conference, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik was asked to disclose the name of the officer involved but declined to do so.

“We have shared names where we have, in each case, weighed specific threats that officers are facing versus the value of transparency,” Malik said. “We have an obligation to ensure that officers are safe from harm while balancing this against the public’s right to transparency.”

Teen’s Family Responds to the Shooting

Tucker’s family and their attorneys held a press conference late Friday morning, demanding accountability and reform in the Akron Police Department, which they criticized for fostering a “culture of violence.”

Attorney Stanley Jackson questioned police protocol, stating, “Assault rifles—when is it appropriate to chase 15-year-old kids with assault rifles?”

Another attorney, Robert Gresham, added, “These officers clearly engaged Jaz with aggressive intent.”

Tucker’s mother, Ashley Green, described the body camera footage as devastating.

“I’m extremely hurt that I couldn’t help my baby,” Green said. “It broke me to see that no one helped my baby.”