1 man dead, 24 others injured in overnight shooting in Ohio

SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - Police are investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning in Akron, Ohio, that left one man dead and dozens of others injured.

Police have made no arrests in the mass shooting, and they have no details on suspects in the investigation.

Officers responded to the area of Kelly and 8th Avenues just after midnight after several reports of shots fired and multiple victims struck. As officers were heading to the scene, hospital staff reported multiple people were arriving at the emergency rooms with gunshot wounds.

A total of 25 people were shot. In a press conference Sunday evening, police said the ages of the victims ranged from 19 to 43 years old. Police had originally reported that 27 people had been shot.

One of the victims, a 27-year-old man, had been killed in the shooting. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police responded to a party of over 200 people in the same location early Saturday evening. They say the party dispersed, but nearly 100 people returned to the party later into the night around midnight.

Police believe the suspect(s) was shooting out of a car at the partygoers. Some of the partygoers also returned fire.

On scene, police recovered two handguns and over 35 shell casings. Some of those casings were from a rifle.

A spokesperson for Summa Health said they received 15 patients and 13 suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One patient is in critical condition. Out of the 13 patients with non-life-threatening injuries, several have already been discharged.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. I want to thank our first responders and caregivers for everything they did to care for our patients and community,” said Summa Health spokesperson Mike Bernstein.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General told WOIO it admitted nine patients with gunshot wounds with one patient in critical condition. The emergency department was put on hard lockdown shortly after midnight.

Neighbors told WOIO the shootings took place at a very large birthday party.

“We just heard like fireworks. I thought it was the Fourth of July, Then I seen cars and I seen everybody running. “I was petrified. Petrified. I was scared for my life. I got kids. What if that would have been me?” said Jehovah Jones.

Police Chief Brian Harding and Mayor Shammas Malik implored the community at the Sunday evening press conference to send in any information they have. Crimestoppers and the U.S. Marshals are offering a $22,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest of a suspect(s).

Harding and Malik released the following statement:

“This morning, our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence. With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers. 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. Today, and in the days ahead, we will share more information about this horrific incident. Our city government and our Akron Police Department will continue to prioritize public safety as our number one concern as we aim to end gun violence in our community.”

There are no arrests and anyone with information is asked to call Akron police at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. You can also call Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS.

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