On Sunday, June 2, 2024, a violent incident took place in the early hours of the morning at a block party in Akron, Ohio. This resulted in the tragic loss of one life and left 25 individuals injured. The shooting occurred a little after midnight near the intersection of Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue.
911 received multiple calls about the shooting and the Akron Police Department immediately responded. At the same time, local hospitals were flooded with victims suffering from gunshot wounds, highlighting the severity of the incident. The police have confirmed that the deceased is a 27-year-old man, Lateris Cook. The injured victims range in age from 19 to 43.
Earlier in the evening, around 200 guests were present at the party. Many left when the police initially arrived, but about 100 people returned later, around midnight. The police suggest that shots were fired from a moving vehicle and some party attendees returned fire.
Witnesses painted a picture of a chaotic scene that had started as a peaceful, large-scale birthday party. Jehovah Jones, a resident, described the shocking suddenness of the violence: “We just heard like fireworks. I thought it was the Fourth of July. Then I saw cars, and I saw everybody running. I was petrified. I was scared for my life. I got kids. What if that would have been me?”
Another witness, Joyoux Payne, expressed confusion at the abrupt shift in the atmosphere: “We’re outside, enjoying ourselves, and the next thing you know, we’re running for our lives. That fast. A lot of people out there, but there wasn’t no drama, no commotion, no fighting. Nothing. I don’t know why. We were all just out here having fun, we’re all dancin’, everybody listening to music and next thing you know, the gunshots went off as we’re all dancing, as we’re all enjoying ourselves, there’s bullets ringing out. How? Why? That fast.”
The police have recovered a firearm and several dozen shell casings from the scene. However, no arrests have yet been made and the motive behind the shooting is still unclear. The police investigation has just started and the authorities are urging anyone with any information to step forward.
In response to the tragic event, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding released a joint statement: “Today, our city is grappling with the aftermath of senseless violence. With over two dozen victims, the pain and trauma affect all of Akron as we seek answers. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” they stated. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and need the community’s help. If you have any information about this tragic shooting, please come forward. You can do so anonymously to help prevent further violence and retaliation.”
The Akron Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact their Detective Bureau.