Shooting in Ohio Leaves 1 Dead, Injures Over Two Dozen, Police Report
An early morning shooting in Ohio resulted in one fatality and injuries to at least two dozen individuals, some critically, according to police.
The incident occurred at a street party in Akron shortly after midnight on Sunday. Shots were fired, hitting multiple victims. Local hospitals soon reported receiving patients with gunshot wounds.
A 27-year-old man was confirmed dead, while at least two of the injured were in critical condition, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding stated at a Sunday evening press conference. The victims’ ages ranged from 19 to 43, with most in their thirties.
Police were initially called to the scene at 10 p.m. to disperse a crowd of over 200 people gathered for a birthday party. The crowd reassembled after officers left, prompting a return by police around midnight when the shooting was reported.
Chief Harding mentioned that the victims were scattered over a large area, and the number of bullet casings suggested the possibility of shots being fired from a moving vehicle, with others at the party possibly returning fire. Two handguns were recovered, but evidence indicated the use of additional firearms.
No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging the community to provide information about the suspects and the vehicle involved. Harding emphasized that over 100 people might have witnessed the incident, stating, “They have an obligation to speak up.”
The City of Akron announced a $22,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a suspect.
Addressing the broader issue of gun violence in the U.S., Malik described the incident as part of a troubling trend. “The sheer number of victims is shocking and deeply concerning,” he said. “We can only be thankful that despite 25 individuals being injured, there were not more fatalities.”
In a joint statement, Malik and Capt. Michael Miller, an Akron police public information officer, expressed the city’s grief. “Our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence,” they said. “With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers. Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
Summa Health treated 15 patients involved in the shooting, a spokesperson confirmed to CBS News. One person was pronounced dead on arrival, another was in critical condition, and the remaining 13 had non-life-threatening injuries and were either being discharged or had already been released.
