According to local authorities, there was an overnight shooting at a birthday celebration in Akron, Ohio, that left one male, age 27, dead and 24 injured by gunshot.
Just after midnight on Sunday morning, the Akron Police Department said it received reports of a shooting. Victims of gunshots were transported to several nearby hospitals. At a press conference on Sunday night, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding stated that at least two of the victims were in severe condition.
The victims are mostly in their 30s, but their ages range from 19 to 43.
During Sunday’s press conference, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik expressed his sympathies to “everyone who was injured and to the young man whose life was senselessly cut short.” “The sheer number of victims in this case is startling and extremely alarming.”
“This is just the most recent in a long string of incidents we have seen across the country, and we know that this country has an epidemic of gun violence,” Malik continued.
Police stated that although two handguns were found at the location, other firearms might have been used. People at the party might have returned fire, and the evidence points to a drive-by shooting, according to Harding. At the location, more than 35 bullet casings were discovered. The car’s description was unknown to the police.
Authorities withheld further information regarding the victims, stating that the probe is still in its early phases. According to Harding, no one has been arrested and there are no suspects in the case.
Akron police responded to allegations of a huge party before the incident gathering at the same location earlier on Saturday.
When police came, there were already over 200 people there, and the crowd was extending onto the street. As the celebration started to disperse and the officers left, the crowd was dispersed. According to authorities, no arrests had been made at that point.
Then, between 10 p.m. and midnight, people started to re-visit the area, according to Harding.
The police chief declared, “We are imploring the community to come forward” with information regarding the shooting.
James Doubek and Emma Bowman both provided reporting.
