Akron mass shooting update: Police suspect drive-by shooter opened fire on partygoers
Speaking at a Sunday evening press conference, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding urged anyone with information about the deadly mass shooting that occurred in East Akron to come forward.
Police are following up on initial leads, but Harding said there are no suspects and no arrests have yet been made as of Monday morning.
"We are imploring the community to come forward with anything regarding this terrible incident," Harding said at the press conference. "Even a small detail can help us."
Summit County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 award for information leading to an arrest and successful conviction, Malik said. The U.S. Marshals is offering a $7,500 award for the same information.
'I'm devastated': Officials react in horror to mass shooting in Akron
Following the press conference, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives offered a reward of up to $10,000 for that information, according to a news release from the Akron Mayor's Office.
"This was a tragic incident that impacts our entire community," Malik said.
Akron police chief describes 'chaotic' scene after mass shooting
The incident occurred at a large outdoor party at Kelly and 8th avenues where two dozen people were wounded and a 27-year-old man was killed.
The victim was identified Monday morning as LaTeris Cook of Akron.
Roughly two hours before the shooting, Akron officers were dispatched to the scene at 10 p.m. for a loud party of over 200 people. Harding said the officer dispersed the crowd but many partygoers returned before midnight.
When officers returned after midnight, the scene was "chaotic," he said. Dozens of shell casings littered the ground. Many people were still around, including some who were wounded and needed to be transported by ambulance.
There might have been upward of 200 people at the party when the shooting occurred, Harding said.
In total, 24 people were injured and Cook died from his injuries. Harding said the victims ranged in age from 19 to 43. Most were in their 30s.
"My heart goes out to each of the victims, and my prayers are with the families," Harding said.
Harding said police initially believed 27 people were shot because some went to multiple hospitals, leading to some patients being counted twice.
Evidence points to a drive-by shooting
Detectives found shell casings from Kelly and 8th avenues to 7th Avenue, Harding said.
Officers recovered a total of 35 shell casings and two guns. Most of the rounds were from pistols, but detectives suspect a rifle was also used.
The evidence, he said, points to a vehicle driving up to the party with an unknown number of occupants opening fire on the crowd. Harding believes some partygoers returned fire.
"We don't know if the shooter or vehicle was hit," Harding said.
Concerns about retaliation
Harding and Malik expressed concerns that a retaliatory shooting could occur as a result of this mass shooting.
To prevent such an incident, police are working with local community leaders and stakeholders, detectives are canvassing the area and investigators are working with state and federal law enforcement to make an arrest.
"I want to be very clear, anyone who was involved in the shooting last night will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Malik said.
How to anonymously report information
Anyone with information is asked to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS or text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637.
Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: No arrests in Akron, Ohio, mass shooting on Kelly Avenue
