(BrightPress.org) – Twenty-four people were injured and one man was killed as a result of a mass shooting in Akron, Ohio just after midnight on Sunday, June 2nd.
Police were called to a private home in East Akron to investigate multiple complaints of noise and fireworks in the area. According to Akron Police Chief Brian Harding, officers discovered a large birthday at a private residence with a crowd of more than 200 people spilling into the street. Officers cleared the street and dispersed the crowd, but it is believed that once the police left the area the crowd returned and the celebration resumed.
Police returned to the party a second time after receiving multiple 911 calls about shots fired. As police arrived on the scene, local hospitals reported an influx of patients with gunshot wounds. Most injuries were reported as non-life threatening. One patient remains in critical condition. A 27-year-old victim identified on Monday as Lateris Cook died as a result of his injuries.
Harding said evidence at the scene suggests someone drove by and shot into the crowd. There is also evidence that party guests returned fire. Two handguns and 35 spent shell casings were found at the scene. Several of the shell casings came from an “assault-style rifle” that was not located.
Victims gave conflicting accounts of how the shooting occurred. One witness identified only as Brittney said multiple fights broke out in the street just prior to the shooting. Another witness claims everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves and “there wasn’t no drama, no commotion, no fighting” and shots suddenly rang out causing everyone to run for cover.
There are currently no suspects in the shooting. U.S. Marshals and Crimestoppers are offering a $22,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Mayor Shammas Malik and Chief Harding have asked the community to respond with any information during a press conference on Sunday evening. Malik implored the public to “speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation.”
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