On Saturday night, a street party in Akron turned tragic when a shooting broke out, injuring 25 people and killing a 27-year-old man.
Two others are in critical condition.
In a press conference on Sunday evening, Akron officials, including Mayor Shammas Malik, police, and fire officials, provided more details.
Police Chief Brian Harding indicated that the incident seemed to be a drive-by shooting at a birthday party near Kelly and Eighth Avenues, which had extended into the street.
The police were first called to the scene around 10 p.m., where they found around 200 partygoers.
They asked the crowd to move off the street due to traffic concerns.
However, the revelers returned between 10 p.m. and midnight, and shortly after midnight, reports of gunfire started coming in.
Upon arrival, police discovered two handguns and various types of shell casings, including those from a rifle.
Officials counted at least 35 shell casings at the scene, consistent with what a News 5 journalist observed shortly after the shooting.
Currently, the number of shooters is unknown, and no suspects have been identified or arrested.
The identity of the deceased has not been released.
Witnesses described a festive atmosphere with people in white T-shirts and women dancing on cars before the gunfire erupted.
A witness said, "It was like a scene from a spring break movie."
Following the shooting, numerous victims began arriving at local hospitals, with ages ranging from 19 to 43.
The Cleveland Clinic admitted nine patients early Sunday morning, one in critical condition.
They were under lockdown from just after midnight until 3:30 a.m.
By Sunday evening, one patient was in a regular ward post-surgery, another was critically ill in ICU, and three were treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.
Summa Health received 15 patients, 13 with non-life-threatening injuries, and one remained in critical condition.
City officials are urgently seeking information from the community, with Mayor Malik pleading for witnesses to come forward.
There's a $22,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Former Ward 5 Councilwoman Tara Mosley Weems, who lives nearby, likened the scene to a war zone, with gunshots and screams captured on her home surveillance.
Police first responded to reports of loud noise and fireworks late Saturday night, where approximately 200 people had taken over the street.
They returned after midnight when gunfire was reported.
The scene was littered with shell casings, mostly from pistols, suggesting a drive-by. Two handguns were found, and it appears some attendees might have returned fire.
Mayor Malik and Police Chief Harding are keen on restoring community trust in law enforcement. Harding mentioned that there are many ways to provide information anonymously.
They estimate over 100 people might have witnessed the incident and hope they will come forward.
On Sunday morning, Malik and Harding released a joint statement expressing their sorrow and determination to find the perpetrators.
They emphasized the community's role in preventing further violence and retaliation.
Families of the victims faced additional distress due to hospital lockdowns.
One victim’s sister, Latika, shared her shock and concern for her sister, who was shot in the leg but is expected to recover fully.
Support and condolences have poured in from various quarters, including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, the Cleveland Cavaliers, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance, and U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes and Shontel Brown.
They all stressed the need for action against gun violence.
Community members gathered at Faith Place First Apostolic Church to pray and seek ways to curb violence in Akron.
Leaders like Vincent Peterson and Kemp Boyd called for collective efforts to bring change and heal the community.
For anyone with information about the shooting, the Akron Police Department urges them to contact detectives or Summit County Crime Stoppers, with options for anonymous tips available.
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