A 24-year-old man faces felony charges after police said a bullet entered a home.
CANTON, Ohio — Canton police arrested a 24-year-old man after a woman was critically wounded Friday night by what investigators described as celebratory gunfire that entered her home as she slept.
The arrest centers on a shooting reported at 11:35 p.m. in the 800 block of 20th Street Northeast. Police said the woman was struck in the back while in bed and taken by Canton Fire Department paramedics to Aultman Hospital. She remained in critical condition after the shooting was reported.
Police identified the arrested man as Darius J. Leishman. Officers said they found him quickly after the 911 call and determined the shooting was linked to gunfire fired during holiday celebrations. Police have not publicly described the exact path of the bullet, the weapon involved or whether Leishman was alone when the gunfire was reported.
Leishman was charged with felonious assault and improper discharge of a firearm at or into a habitation. Those charges reflect both the injury to the woman and the allegation that a shot entered a residence. The case remains under investigation, and police have not announced a court date or said whether prosecutors are reviewing additional counts.
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard sharply criticized celebratory gunfire after the arrest. He said firing weapons randomly into the air is illegal and dangerous. Gabbard said it was heartbreaking that the woman had to suffer critical injuries to show what he said should already be clear.
Residents near the scene said the gunfire broke the calm of a street they consider quiet. Charles Fye said his parents, who live several doors from the victim, first thought they were hearing fireworks. He said the sounds changed, and police were called after gunshots were heard.
The woman’s name was not released, and police did not provide an updated medical report Monday. Investigators are still asking for information as they work to document the shooting and prepare the case for the next legal step.
Author note: Last updated July 6, 2026.