Activists Demand Independent Probe After Dayton Police Shooting

Calls for transparency and accountability in the death of Reginald Thomas

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a police shooting incident.The police shooting of Reginald Thomas has sparked outrage and demands for an independent investigation in Dayton.Today in Dayton

Activists gathered at Dayton City Hall to demand an independent investigation into the police shooting death of 44-year-old Reginald Thomas. Thomas was killed by a Dayton police officer on March 24 after being stopped for riding his bike without a front light. Activists argue the pursuit should never have escalated and are calling for transparency and accountability in the case.

Why it matters

The death of Reginald Thomas has sparked outrage in the Dayton community, with activists arguing the police response was overly aggressive and unnecessary. The case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as broader debates around police use of force and accountability.

The details

According to Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal, officers often make stops for minor infractions like missing bike lights, rarely issuing citations. However, the encounter with Thomas escalated when he fled from the officer and allegedly pulled out a loaded handgun, leading another officer to fatally shoot him. Activists argue the pursuit should never have started and criticize the "zealousness" of the police response.

  • The incident occurred on the night of March 24, 2026.
  • Activists gathered at Dayton City Hall on March 31, 2026 to demand an independent investigation.

The players

Reginald Thomas

A 44-year-old Dayton resident who was fatally shot by a police officer on March 24, 2026.

Kamran Afzal

The Dayton Police Chief who defended the officers' actions, stating they often make stops for minor infractions without issuing citations.

Zakiya Sankara-Jabar

The co-founder and co-executive director of Racial Justice NOW, who criticized the police response as overly aggressive.

Jared Grandy

A former community-police relations coordinator for the City of Dayton, who expressed concerns about increased police presence downtown.

Shenise Turner-Sloss

The Mayor of Dayton, who released a statement promising a full and transparent investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Why be aggressive? Why? Why run after him? Like, what was, who was the victim? Like what was the zealousness? Who was the victim? Who called you? Who said he was a threat? He wasn't a threat. He was on a bike. It did not need to escalate. I don't care what anybody says.”

— Zakiya Sankara-Jabar, Co-founder and co-executive director of Racial Justice NOW

“Nobody here wants to see increased crime anywhere. We want to stop the crime. We want to stop the violence. But there are other ways to do that outside of employing mass incarceration and extra law enforcement.”

— Jared Grandy, Former community-police relations coordinator for the City of Dayton

What’s next

The investigation into Reginald Thomas' death will be conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Dayton Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau, with oversight from the Independent Accountability Auditor. The mayor has promised a fair and transparent process.

The takeaway

The death of Reginald Thomas has reignited concerns about police use of force and accountability in the Dayton community. Activists are demanding an independent investigation to ensure transparency and uncover the full truth of what happened.