CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police is investigating a shooting that caused the death of a 3-year-old boy on Thursday afternoon, and multiple people are now in custody.
The announcement of the death of the child was confirmed by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who sent out the following message on X (formerly Twitter):
"Earlier today, our city lost a precious child to gun violence. This heartbreaking incident is another reminder that we must come together as a city, state and nation to address this violence and its root causes. No words can adequately express the pain and the sorrow of this tragedy. In the face of this loss, I ask the community to come together to support this family and to reaffirm our commitment to a safer city.
"We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice."
Police later confirmed the toddler had died in the incident, which happened at around 2:30 p.m. in the area of West 66th Street and Barberton Avenue. Police say the child and a 31-year-old man were both transported by EMS to a nearby hospital, with the adult suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office released the boy's name Friday morning as Luis A. Diaz.
Witnesses told 3News they heard approximately seven to nine shots, and police later said "persons of interest" are in custody. Second District Commander Ali Pillow told reporters the 3-year-old was in a car with his mom and 11-month-old brother with the adult victim outside when gunfire rang out.
WKYC spoke to a bystander at the scene who attempted to revive the young boy. She described his body as being "cold" and further said "his lips were blue."
"I started giving the baby CPR as I was on the phone with 911," the individual, who did not want to be identified, said. "I knew that he was gone, but I didn't give up."
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