Tips, Leads, But No Suspects Arrested Yet In Akron Mass Shooting
Written by Jeanne Destro
Akron City officials provided an update on their investigation into Sunday's mass shooting in East Akron, which resulted in the injury of 27 people, and the death of one man; 27 year old Lateris Cook, of Akron.
Some of the highlights of today's press conference include:
- The number of people who were injured when they were struck or grazed by bullets was originally listed as 27 on Sunday morning, then revised to 25, and now—after further investigation, police have found that the actual number of injuries is 27, plus the one fatality.
- Police have been getting tips and are following up on a number of leads, but so far, they have still not identified or arrested anyone responsible for the shooting
- 45 bullet shells were recovered at the scene, from at least 5 weapons
- 3 handguns were recovered at the scene, and they can confirm that at least one person shot back at the drive-by shooter, or shooters, who attacked the crowd
- Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation, including Akron Police, Summit County Sheriffs, along with the FBI, ATF, US Marshals, and US Department of Justice
- President Biden’s office reached out directly to Mayor Shammas Malik, and pledged their support.
- There will be three public gatherings this week designed to offer support and comfort to community members who were directly involved in the events, who live in the Kelly Avenue neighborhood, and from the community at large who feel who are experiencing ongoing trauma from this event.
- There will be a Prayer Vigil tonight (Wednesday) from 6:30-7:30PM, at the Arlington Church of God, 539 South Arlington Street, Akron, OH 44306
- There will also be Prayer Vigil on Thursday night at the Burning Bush Church, 131 S. High St. Akron, OH. 44308, and a larger community gathering from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 8, at the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, 550 S Arlington St, Akron OH 44306.
- The reward being offered for the arrest and successful prosecution of the shooter or shooters is now $22,500.
- Police are now reviewing hundreds of hours of police and other first-responder body cam footage, and reviewing surveillance video from both Flock traffic cameras and citizen doorbell cameras. So far, they aren’t sharing any of that with the public, but they say the police body cam footage will be released soon.
For more information, watch the video of the press conference, below.
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Akron Mass Shooting Update: Identity of Homicide Victim Released
Written by Jeanne Destro
The 27 year old Akron man who lost his life in a hail of bullets early Sunday morning in a drive-by mass shooting in East Akron, has been identified as Lateris Cook, of Akron.
The Summit County Medical Examiner's office released his name this morning, even as law enforcement and city officials continue to plead for people who were at the party where 24 other people were shot and injured, to come forward with information that can help them identify the shooter.
During a press conference last night, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, and Police Chief, Brian Harding, both stressed that it is likely someone, out of the more than 100 people who were still at the block party which had at one point swelled to more than 200, probably knows something they can use to track down the killer.
Meanwhile, there are multiple people still in the hospital recovering from their injuries, including two who as of last night; were in critical condition.
Also of concern today, is the mental health and well-being of the first responders who came to rescue the victims of the mass shooting.
The City's Acting Fire Chief, Steven Kaut, touched on that as part of his description of the night's events.
To find out more, watch the press conference:
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Video: Akron Officials Update Public On Mass Shooting
Written by Jeanne Destro
Akron Police Chief, Brian Harding, Mayor Shammas Malik, and Acting Fire Chief, Stephen Kaut provided an update on last night's mass shooting in East Akron.
You can watch the full press conference (below), but here are some of the highlights:
- 25 people were shot, one of them, a 27 year old man, died.
- At least two of the shooting victims are in critical condition
- Some of the victims were treated and released from the hospital, but several were admitted.
- The victims range in age from 19 to 43
- More than 30 spent shell casings were found at the scene, some from handguns, but some from a rifle. What kind of rifle is unknown. '
- Two handguns were found at the scene
- No one has been arrested
- Police are asking for tips to help them find out who did it
Here's how it all unfolded.'
There was a big party near the corner of Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue last night. More than 200 people were there. Police came by before 10PM, and told them to break it up. Some people left, but others returned after the police left.
While there were still about 100 people there; a vehicle rolled up, and shots rang out. Video provided to News5 from former Akron City Councilwoman, Tara Mosely, shows people running and screaming while the car drove by, and someone inside it kept spraying bullets.
Within minutes of the first emergency calls for help; Akron Fire dispatched multiple ambulances and EMS personnel, who quickly got people to area hospitals.
It is not known who did it, or why. A $12,500 dollar reward is being offerered for tips that lead to the capture, arrest, and successful prosecution of the suspects.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding, and Mayor Shammas Malik are pleading for information, and warning against retaliation; saying anyone who retaliates against the shooting will also be held accoutable under the law.
For more details, watch the full press conference:
Update: Mass Shooting In Akron Kills One, Injures 24
Written by Jeanne Destro
Akron officials are now saying there were 25 people shot in East Akron early this morning (Sunday), instead of the 27 originally reported in the aftermath of the incident which took place shortly after midnight.
One of the people who were shot–a 27 year old man–has died.
According to a doorbell cam video shared by former Akron City Councilwoman Tara Mosely with News5; a vehicle pulled up and someone started shooting out of its windows at people on the street. The grainy black and white video shows people people running and screaming as the bullets continued to fly.
Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding issued the following joint statement:
"This morning, our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence. 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.
We will bring those responsible to justice, and we need the help of our community to do that. For those who have information about this horrific shooting – we need you to speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation. This can be done anonymously.
Today, and in the days ahead, we will share more information about this horrific incident. Our city government and our Akron Police Department will continue to prioritize public safety as our number one concern as we aim to end gun violence in our community."
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.
You can also contact:
- The Summit County Crimestoppers, Call 330-434-COPS
- Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637
- Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411or by accessing the link on the Akron police website: www.AkronCops.org
- Callers can remain anonymous.
**This story was updated at 4:13PM, 6-2-24
Mass Shooting In Akron Leaves One Dead, 26 Injured
Written by Jeanne Destro
26 people were injured, and one person has died as a result of a mass shooting in Akron.
Akron police say they responded to calls early Sunday morning, about shots fired and multiple persons struck near the intersection of Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue in East Akron a little after midnight.
Then, they say they began getting calls from area hospitals notifying them that multiple gunshot wound victims were showing up at Emergency departments.
In a release issued at 2:55AM; police reported that one person, a 27 year old man, had died from his injuries.
Police say they found a gun and some shell casings at the scene, but so far; they have no suspects, and no one has been arrested.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.
You can also contact:
- The Summit County Crimestoppers, Call 330-434-COPS
- Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637
- Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411or by accessing the link on the Akron police website: www.AkronCops.org
- Callers can remain anonymous.
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Written by Jeanne Destro
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We'll also hear about how some communities in NE Ohio are trying to ban large scale wind and solar facilities, and why the rapidly expanding use of Artifiial Intelligence may mean the return to using nuclear power to produce electricity.
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