Police report that one person was killed and 24 others were wounded in a mass shooting early Sunday morning in Akron, Ohio. According to a statement from the city’s mayor and police chief, police officers responded to 911 calls shortly after midnight, reporting shots fired and multiple victims struck in the area of Kelly Ave. and 8th Ave., about 40 miles south of Cleveland, just after midnight. It’s not clear what happened in the lead-up to the shooting.
The Akron Police Department said in a news release: “Officers were immediately dispatched and responded to the area. hortly after those calls came in, the call center received notifications from local hospitals that multiple persons were arriving in the emergency departments with gunshot wounds.”
At least 25 victims were shot, including the 27-year-old man who has since died. A weapon and “several dozen casings” were recovered from the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and no further suspect information is available, city officials said, calling on residents who may have information about the shooting to come forward.
A joint statement from Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding read: “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.”
Malik and Harding added: “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.”
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