Activists Call for Independent Probe of Dayton Police Shooting

Community members demand outside review of fatal encounter with Reginald Thomas.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:58am

An extreme close-up of a police badge reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigation into a police shooting incident.The police shooting of Reginald Thomas has sparked calls for an independent investigation into the use of force.Today in Dayton

A group of local activists gathered at Dayton City Hall to call for an independent investigation into the police shooting death of Reginald Thomas, a 31-year-old Black man who was killed in an encounter with Dayton police officers earlier this year.

Why it matters

The shooting of Reginald Thomas has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about police use of force, particularly in communities of color. An independent investigation could help provide transparency and accountability around the incident.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a 911 call about a man acting erratically. When they arrived, they encountered Thomas, who they say was armed with a knife. After a confrontation, police opened fire, killing Thomas. Activists argue the officers used excessive force and are calling for an outside review of the incident to determine if the shooting was justified.

  • The incident occurred on March 12, 2026.
  • Activists gathered at Dayton City Hall on March 31, 2026 to demand an independent investigation.

The players

Reginald Thomas

A 31-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Dayton police officers in March 2026.

Dayton Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for the shooting of Reginald Thomas.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot trust the Dayton Police Department to investigate itself. We need an independent, transparent review of this shooting to get to the truth.”

— Reverend Jerome McCorry, Community Activist

What’s next

City officials have indicated they will consider the activists' demands for an independent investigation, but have not yet made a final decision.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, and the need for greater accountability and transparency around police use of force.