Akron, Ohio – A street party in Akron turned tragic on Saturday night, as 25 people were injured by gunfire, resulting in one fatality and leaving two individuals in critical condition. The shooting took place at a birthday celebration that had extended into the streets, where chaos ensued.
At a press conference on Sunday, Akron police, fire officials, and Mayor Shammas Malik provided updates on the incident. Police Chief Brian Harding revealed that the shooting appeared to be a drive-by attack at the intersection of Kelly and Eighth avenues, where a birthday party was taking place with around 200 attendees. Police had initially dispersed the crowd due to concerns about traffic safety.
The situation escalated between 10 p.m. and midnight when attendees returned to the party, leading to multiple reports of gunfire just after midnight. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two handguns and various shell casings, including rifle casings, at the scene. The event resulted in at least 35 shell casings being found, matching witness accounts of a chaotic scene.
Authorities are still determining the number of shooters involved and have not yet identified any suspects, with no arrests made thus far. The deceased individual’s identity has not been disclosed, further adding to the ongoing investigation.
Numerous victims, ranging in age from 19 to 43, were admitted to local hospitals for treatment. Cleveland Clinic admitted nine patients, with one in critical condition, while Summa Health received 15 patients, the majority of whom had non-life-threatening injuries. Families of the victims expressed shock and concern, emphasizing the need for justice and an end to such senseless violence plaguing their community.
Local officials, including Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding, issued a joint statement vowing to prioritize public safety and apprehend those responsible for the shooting. They urged community members to come forward with any information to aid in the investigation and prevent future acts of violence.
As condolences poured in from various public figures, including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and U.S. Senators, the community rallied together in support of the victims and their families. Law enforcement officials have appealed for assistance from the public, urging anyone with information to contact detectives or Summit County Crime Stoppers.
The aftermath of this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and promote community safety. As authorities push for accountability and justice, the community stands in solidarity with the victims and their loved ones, hoping for healing and a resolution to prevent such incidents in the future.