Akron Shooting Yesterday: At Least One Dead, 24 Wounded in Mass Shooting at Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue
In a devastating turn of events, a mass shooting at a large outdoor party in Akron has left at least one person dead and 24 others wounded. The incident occurred just after midnight on Sunday at the intersection of Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue.
A 27-year-old man was pronounced dead on arrival at Summa Health, as confirmed by the Akron Police Department. Spokespeople from Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Akron City Hospitals reported that one patient at each hospital remains in critical condition.
Akron Police Captain Michael Miller stated that the preliminary investigation suggests the incident was targeted, although no arrests have been made yet. “We don’t believe there is a risk to the public at this point,” Miller said. “Inspectors have been working around the clock, trying to identify what happened, who was there, who had a role.”
Witnesses described a chaotic scene that erupted amidst what had been a celebration. Neighborhood residents recalled moments of joy and laughter turning into terror as gunfire broke out. Tara Mosley Weems, a former councilwoman who lives across the street from the shooting site, said she heard multiple gunshots, which her security cameras captured, showing people fleeing in panic.
The party, reportedly celebrating the birthday of a local young man, had initially drawn around 200 people. Police had been called earlier in the evening to disperse the crowd due to noise complaints and traffic obstruction. However, after the police left, many partygoers returned, and the situation escalated into violence shortly after midnight.
Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding issued a joint statement expressing their condolences and urging the community to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. “This morning, our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence,” they said. “With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers. As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
Authorities have recovered two handguns and over 35 shell casings from various weapons, including an assault-style rifle. The investigation is ongoing, with police seeking any information that could lead to the perpetrators. A reward of up to $12,500 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction, funded by Summit County Crimestoppers and the U.S. Marshals Office.
The shooting marks another tragic episode in the East Akron neighborhood, an area that has seen multiple shootings in recent months. The Joy Park vicinity, close to where the incident occurred, has been particularly affected.
Local hospitals were overwhelmed with gunshot victims following the shooting. Cleveland Clinic Akron General received nine patients, one of whom remains in critical condition, while Summa Health treated 15 patients, with one still in critical condition.
The community and officials alike are grappling with the aftermath of this horrific event. Akron Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President Brian Lucey highlighted the need for more police officers and proactive policing to address the city’s rising violence.
In their plea to the public, Mayor Malik and Chief Harding stressed the importance of community cooperation in preventing further violence. “For those who have information about this horrific shooting, we need you to speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation,” they emphasized.