Urban League urges 'patience' in Taemarr Walker shooting

WARREN — Representatives from the Greater Warren Youngstown Urban League and other organizations called on the community to “exercise patience” and to await the outcome of investigations by local and state officials before assuming too much about the shooting death of Taemarr Walker early Saturday on Risher Road.

“As it relates to the investigation, we will await the results of the internal investigation, as well as the [Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations] on following the use-of-force policy and other details of concern,” Urban League president Thomas Conley said at a press conference this morning at the Urban League offices.

Walker, 24, who is black, was killed by Patrolman Mike Krafcik, who is white, at 1:50 a.m. while Krafcik was investigating a call regarding an abandoned and crashed car.

Krafcik told a dispatcher that a car arrived at the accident scene with two people inside, one of them with a gun. Krafcik could be heard ordering the two to put their hands up. A short time later, he asked for an ambulance.

Police have released little information on Walker’s actions, such as whether he pointed a weapon at Krafcik. Krafcik’s cruiser is not equipped with a video and audio recording system.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com