UPDATE @ 12:30 PM:
One man is dead and more than two dozen injured after a mass shooting in Akron that night.
In a statement, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding said the pain and trauma of the shooting “reverberates throughout Akron today.” Both called on anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
Officers were called to the area of Kelly and 8th Avenues for multiple reports of shots fired just after midnight on Sunday.
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While officers were en route to the scene, hospital staff reported that multiple people arrived at emergency rooms with gunshot wounds, WOIO in Cleveland reported.
Initially, Akron police believed there were 27 victims in the shooting, but later determined there were 25. Among them was a 27-year-old man who died from his injuries.
Police told local media that a firearm and several dozen shell casings were found at the scene.
It is currently unclear what led to the shooting. No arrests have been made at this time.
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You can read Malik and Harding’s joint statement in full below:
“This morning our city is reeling from the devastation of senseless violence. With more than two dozen victims today, the pain and trauma echoes throughout Akron as we search for answers. As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.
We will bring those responsible to justice, and to do that we need the help of our community. For those with information about this horrific shooting, we need your voice to prevent further violence and retaliation. This can be done anonymously.
Today and in the coming days we will share more information about this horrific incident. Our Akron City Council and Police Department will continue to prioritize public safety as our top concern as we strive to end gun violence in our community.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Akron police at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.
