Ohio Police Release Body-Camera Video of Officer Fatally Shooting Pregnant Woman
Ohio police have released body-camera video footage showing officers interacting with a pregnant woman for about a minute before an officer fired a single shot through her windshield, killing her and her unborn baby. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store in Westerville, Ohio.
The video shows Blendon Township police officers responding to a report of a woman stealing bottles of alcohol before entering a car parked in a handicap space. Officers approached the vehicle and repeatedly told the woman, identified as 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young, to exit the car. Young can be heard denying the theft allegations and arguing with the officers before turning the wheel of the car.
In response, one of the officers drew his handgun, placed his hand on the vehicle’s hood, and ordered Young to get out of the car. As the vehicle moved forward, the officer fired a single shot through the windshield, hitting Young. The car continued to move forward before coming to a stop on the sidewalk near the store. Young was quickly removed from the car, and medical aid was provided, but she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently reviewing the incident, and the officer who fired the shot remains on administrative leave. However, authorities have not released the officer’s name, prompting attorneys representing Young’s family to call for the officer to be identified.
“We demand accountability for the loss of two precious lives, Ta’Kiya and her unborn daughter,” said Sean L. Walton, the family’s attorney. “The officer of this department must be held accountable for his actions that escalated this encounter.”
Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford stated that both officers involved in the incident were initially placed on administrative leave. However, the officer who did not fire the shot has since been allowed to return to duty. Belford cited legal constraints that limit the information that can be disclosed due to the likelihood of lawsuits and ongoing legal proceedings.
The law firm representing Young’s family, Walton + Brown, LLP, released a statement describing her death as “not only avoidable but also a gross misuse of power and authority.” Young leaves behind two young sons and was expecting a baby girl in November.
Since the incident, several vigils and protests advocating for justice have taken place in the community. Local activists and protest groups have gathered at the Kroger store where the shooting occurred, and candles have been lit outside Young’s grandmother’s home to honor her memory.
The shooting of Ta’Kiya Young has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the community. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to face mounting pressure to release further details and take appropriate action in response to the incident.