A group led by Sir Maejor Page, an out-of-town activist, marched to Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s house Wednesday night to protest unrest over a fatal police shooting of an armed robbery suspect.
The mayor was not home and those in the group have not approached his front door.
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Crowd gathered in front of Toledo’s Mayor @ElectWade chanting “justice for all.” pic.twitter.com/avxiQBmXhV
— Javonte Anderson (@JavonteA) August 2, 2018
They marched from Old Orchard Elementary on Cheltenham Road through the neighborhood chanting “justice for all.” About 60 people assembled a few blocks away outside the mayor’s home. Police are stationed at corners where the mayor lives.
At 10 p.m., 16 pizzas were delivered to those waiting outside the home, some of whom were sitting in lawn chairs.
The protesters stayed a few hours to await the mayor’s return to his house. When he did, he did not talk to the protestors. Mr. Page left the sidewalk to ring the front doorbell, when several Toledo police officers temporarily detained him. Police said afterward that no one was arrested. About a dozen protestors remained outside of the mayor’s house after midnight.
The group, which originally numbered about 100 people, gathered at 6 p.m. in central Toledo but then transferred to West Toledo, where the mayor’s house is located.
“We’re here to send a message to alarm the community that violating black and brown bodies will not be tolerated in Toledo,” Mr. Page said.
Those in the crowd shouted a series of chants including “the people united will never be defeated,” and “no justice, no sleep.” The group urged the city of Toledo and Toledo police to adopt new policies including mandatory cultural and sensitivity training and de-escalation training.
Lamar Richardson, 25, was shot by Toledo police Friday after he displayed a weapon while they were chasing him because he was a suspect in four carryout robberies. His twin brothers, Cle’Von and Tre’Von Richardson, hugged and addressed the crowd.
Five police vehicles were parked on Kenwood Boulevard near the mayor’s home.
Lt. Kevan Toney, Toledo police spokesman, said police did not immediately have a comment.
Contact Javonte Anderson at janderson@theblade.com, 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @JavonteA.
First Published August 2, 2018, 12:28 a.m.
