CLEVELAND — We’re learning new details about the deadly shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Pierre McCoy at a bus stop near John Adams College and Career Academy on Tuesday afternoon.
The Cleveland Division of Police released new information in the case Wednesday morning, saying McCoy – who was a high school student at John Adams – had multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Police say it was around 3:15 p.m. when officers responded to the area of Corlett Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive where McCoy was found next to the bus stop at that location.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary information, according to police, indicates McCoy was at the bus stop with approximately 25 other people when the suspect “walked directly up to the victim, shot him multiple times and fled on foot.”
Police are currently working to identify the male suspect. They say he was wearing all black clothing at the time of the shooting, including a black puffy coat, ski mask, boots and jeans.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb released the following statement about the death of Pierre McCoy to 3News:
"Today we mourn the loss of Pierre McCoy. Our hearts are with his family and friends, with the students and staff at John Adams High School, and with the Corlett neighborhood community. As we grieve, we also know that our thoughts and prayers alone are not enough to stop the violence in our communities.
"The senseless acts of gun violence in our city are far too frequent. Too many lives have been lost. Too many families have been destroyed and too many of our communities and our neighborhoods have been traumatized time and time again.
"We are committed to working in the community and with partners across the city to put an end to this violence.
"To the family, friends, students, and community members impacted by this tragedy, please reach out and know that support and resources are available, and we will keep you updated as things develop in the coming days."
3News asked police about the relationship between McCoy and the suspect, and were told police "do not know that just yet." Additionally, 3News noticed surveillance cameras on the school, near the bus stop, and asked police whether this was caught on camera. Police told 3News they are not sure, but "that would be considered evidence and not for release."
A reward of up to $5,000 may be available for anybody with information in the shooting. Tipsters can call investigators at 216-623-5464. Anonymous information can also be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at 216-25-CRIME.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District announced the school would be closed on Wednesday.
"Grief Counselors will be available at the school for any student or faculty member who needs grief support," the district announced early Wednesday morning. "We will not operate in remote learning. This will be a calamity day."
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on Jan. 11, 2023.