CLEVELAND — Just 24 hours after a downtown shooting on the corner of East 12th St. and Superior, we are learning more information, plus why those in the area say this is shocking.
The only reminder of what happened the day before were boarded up windows at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District building, markers of where two Cleveland police officers shot and killed an armed man.
“I’ve never seen nothing like that happen down here,” the store manager of DGX, just across the street from where these shooting took place, Gabe Pfifer said. “It’s busy, yeah, during the week. On the weekend it’s kind of slow.”
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said at press conference Sunday that two officers responded to a man allegedly walking around with a gun, randomly firing around 3 p.m.
“He actually had that weapon had it out and was pointing at vehicles,” Williams said. “Our communications control sections received several calls.”
Those 9-1-1 calls have yet to be released as of Monday evening. Cleveland police are acknowledging issues with the city’s public records request system.
3News has requested reports, body cam and dash cam video.
“[The officers] tried to give him commands to put the gun down and surrender. At this point shots were exchanged, and the male went down,” Williams said.
The suspect was identified by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s office as Patrick Horton, who later died at MetroHealth Medical Center.
Online court records indicate the 39-year old had previously faced drug related charges and one charge of attempting to carry a concealed weapon.
Back at the intersection., Pfifer said he sees police patrolling, even responding to incidents of theft at his store.
“You know, this store, we have thefts. So, normally, when I call, they come down here and check up on us,” Pfifer said. “I do see them sometimes they be over there in the park and just riding around.”
Cleveland police told 3News officers were working “regular” patrol plus extra detail for the Browns’ home game, but wouldn’t give an estimated or exact number of officers working in the downtown area, citing tactical reasons.
“Do you think there should be more? Are you comfortable with the amount? How do you feel?” 3News reporter Marisa Saenz asked Pfifer.
“There could probably be more,” Pfifer responded.
The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigator on this case.
Both Cleveland police officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave.
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