Jayland Walker, 25, was shot and killed Monday after officers tried to stop his car over a traffic violation, the police department in the city of Akron, Ohio said, NDTV reported.
But Walker drove off and fired a shot as police engaged in a car chase, which lasted several minutes. He eventually got out of his car, while it was still moving, and fled on foot.
Several officers finally chased Walker to a parking lot, where "actions by the suspect caused the officers to perceive he posed a deadly threat to them," leading them to open fire, the police statement said.
Walker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have provided few details of the shooting, promising to release body-cam video from the scene soon, but local media have reported that dozens of shots were fired.
The incident was the latest death of an African American citizen at the hands of police, events that have sparked mass protests over racism social justice, and police brutality.
Small demonstrations were held in Akron in recent days and a bigger rally was scheduled for Sunday.
Fearing potential unrest, authorities in the city of 190,000 people moved snowplows and other heavy equipment near the police department to serve as a barrier, according to local media.
RHM/PR
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