AKRON, Ohio — One person is dead and at least two dozen are injured, some critically, after a shooting in Akron, Ohio early Sunday morning.
According to a news release from Akron police, several 911 callers reported shots being fired just after midnight in the area of Kelly and 8th Avenues.
Soon after, area hospitals reported numerous patients coming into emergency departments with gunshot wounds. As of Sunday morning, Akron police have tallied at least 25 victims, including a 27-year-old man who has died. His identity has not been released.
Some of the victims were in critical condition while others had injuries that were not life-threatening, he said. Many of the 15 patients Summa Health System hospitals received have been or are preparing to be discharged, spokesperson Michael Berstein told WJW.
Initial reports from authorities indicated there were 26 victims, a total that was amended Sunday morning to 25 total victims with one deceased.
Officers recovered a firearm and several dozen shell casings from the scene, according to the release. The investigation is in its early stages, and police offered no other information about the victims or suspects.
No arrests have been made. Local media reports indicate a street party was happening in the area before gunfire broke out, according to The Associated Press.
During a Sunday evening press conference, officials called on witnesses to come forward with any information about who carried out the shooting.
“This was a tragic incident which impacts our entire community,” Mayor Shammas Malik said. “The sheer number of victims is shocking and disconcerting. I want to be very clear: Anyone who was involved in last night’s shooting will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Two agencies — Summit County Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshal’s Service — are offering a total of $12,500 in rewards for information leading to the arrests of suspects in connection with the shooting, Malik said.
Earlier in the day, Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding released a joint statement, saying, “As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones. We will bring those responsible to justice, and we need the help of our community to do that. For those who have information about this horrific shooting — we need you to speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation. This can be done anonymously.”
Anyone who can offer information on the investigation is urged to call Akron detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP (330-375-2847). Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS (330-434-2677); texting TIPSCO with your tip to 274637, or downloading the Akron Police Department app (Android or iOS) and texting Tips411 or visiting the police department’s website.
Akron Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President Brian Lucey shared his concerns with the FOX 8 I-Team of Nexstar’s WJW following the shooting.
“We can always use more police officers, specifically front-line patrol officers,” Lucey said. “And as for the violence in the city, proactive policing, such as traffic stops and suspicious person stops, is the only thing that will slow it down.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
