AKRON, Ohio (WJW) – Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett has announced he will leave the department for a new professional opportunity and more time with family, according to a joint release from Mylett and Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan.

“It is with great difficulty that I make this decision to step away, but I do think the time is right based on many different factors,” said Mylett in a statement.

Mylett took on the role of police chief in August 2021. He was propelled into the national spotlight following the June 2022 fatal police-involved shooting of Jayland Walker.

“This past year has been very difficult for many, many people, and the road ahead to regain what was lost will be no easy feat. However, I hold tremendous optimism for the future of this city, and I know everyone in this city wants a safe and secure Akron in order to raise our families and to live in peace. Together, we can achieve our vision,” read the release.

Mylett’s duties as chief will end on January 1, 2024, as presumptive mayor Shammas Malik takes on duties as the city’s next mayor.

“I want to thank Chief Mylett for his service to our community over these last two years, and I wish him well in his next steps,” said Malik in a statement. “In the coming weeks, our transition team will work in partnership with Mayor Horrigan’s administration to begin a search process for the next chief of the Akron Police Department, which will be open to internal and external candidates.”  

The mayor-elect went on to say, “A central goal of my administration will be making sure the Akron Police Department is an effective, forward-focused organization, able to respond to calls for service while also prioritizing proactive, community-based policing. That means building trust through transparency and accountability and also focusing on retention and attraction of officers to ensure our safety forces have the training, support, and work environment they need to be successful.”

You can learn more about the city’s transition to a new mayor, here.