Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding released a statement urging witnesses to provide information regarding the mass shooting that occurred shortly after midnight in the city. The incident resulted in at least one fatality and 24 injuries on Sunday.
“This was a tragic incident which impacts our entire community,” Mayor Shammas Malik said.
“The sheer number of victims is shocking and disconcerting. I want to be very clear: Anyone who was involved in last night’s shooting will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The fatal shooting claimed the life of a 27-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. The injured individuals spanned an age range from 19 to 43, according to Police Chief Brian Harding.
According to Akron Police Captain Michael Miller, the incident resulted in 25 victims, including the deceased man. At least two of the wounded victims are still in critical condition, while others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
As of now, there have been no immediate arrests, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the detectives.
Three agencies offered a combined reward of $22,500 for information that could lead to the arrest of a suspect. Summit County Crime Stoppers pledged $5,000, the U.S. Marshal’s Service offered $7,500, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives indicated a potential reward of up to $10,000.
“We have to hold people accountable when they commit violence. That’s the only way to keep our communities safe,” Malik said.
Harding reported that at the location of the outdoor party where the shooting occurred, investigators discovered two handguns and over 35 bullet shell casings.
According to the police, local hospitals informed emergency dispatchers that several victims with gunshot wounds were being brought to their emergency departments shortly after the incident.
There was a street party in the area before the gunfire broke out and an unnamed witness at the scene said hundreds of people were enjoying themselves with everyone in white T-shirts and “women on top of vehicles dancing,” WEWS-TV reported.
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