Police: 1 dead, 24 wounded in Akron shooting

Two dozen people were wounded and one person was killed in a shooting at a large birthday party in Akron, Ohio, early Sunday, officials said.

At a news conference Sunday evening, officials did not identify a motive and said no arrests had been made.

A 27-year-old man died. Two people remained in critical condition Sunday, said the Akron police chief, Brian Harding. Several victims were admitted to hospitals. The victims were 19 to 43 years old, and most were in their 30s, he said.

Officials asked witnesses to come forward.

“Every single person who may have seen something has an obligation to speak up in order to bring those responsible to justice,” Harding said.

Police responded around 10 p.m. Saturday to a private residence where a large birthday party was taking place. More than 200 people were pouring into the street amid reports of fireworks and noise. Officers dispersed the crowd, and no arrests were made, Harding said.

But between 10 p.m. and midnight, the party resumed, he said.

Police received reports of gunfire just after midnight. Officials described a chaotic scene, with dozens of people injured.

Police recovered more than 35 casings in a pattern that appeared consistent with someone driving by and shooting, the chief said. Officials said people at the party may have returned fire.

Two handguns were recovered but police said they were unsure how many firearms were involved.

Investigators have received leads but no arrests have been made, Harding said. There was no information on how many shooters were involved or whether someone at the party was specifically targeted, he said.

Authorities said they were exploring the possibility that the shooting was gang-related.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik offered his condolences and called the number of victims “shocking and deeply concerning.”

He offered his condolences and said “my heart goes out to the young man whose life was senselessly cut short and to everyone who was injured.”

A team of detectives is working on the case around the clock, Harding said.

“You should be able to throw a party in this community and feel safe,” he said. “Everyone should have the ability to get together with their friends and family.”

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