Akron, Ohio – A tragic shooting occurred at a street party in Akron over the weekend, where police suspect that at least one individual fired into the crowd from a vehicle, resulting in the death of one person and injuring 24 others. The incident unfolded early Sunday morning, with investigators discovering over 35 shell casings in the vicinity. Police Chief Brian Harding disclosed that the gathering, celebrating a birthday with over 100 attendees, turned into a scene of chaos and violence.
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities recovered two handguns at the site and believe that some party attendees retaliated by firing back at the vehicle. The residential street was left scattered with plastic cups, shoes, and other debris, painting a grim picture of the violence that transpired. As of Sunday night, no suspects had been identified, prompting the mayor and police chief to appeal to witnesses for information. Various rewards amounting to $22,500 were offered by different law enforcement agencies for any leads that could lead to an arrest.
Mayor Shammas Malik condemned the heinous act, emphasizing that those responsible for the shooting would face severe legal consequences. The deceased victim, identified as Lateris Cook, a 27-year-old resident of Akron, was among the casualties ranging in age from 19 to 43. Several individuals were in critical condition, highlighting the grave impact of the incident on the community. Prior to the shooting, law enforcement had responded to noise complaints at the party, attempting to disband the gathering without making any arrests.
Despite the earlier intervention, a large number of partygoers returned to the location, escalating the situation and culminating in the tragic events that unfolded. The police were alerted to reports of gunfire just after midnight on Sunday, underscoring the escalating violence in the area. Mayor Malik emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, emphasizing the role of community safety in preventing such senseless acts of violence.