MANSFIELD, Ohio — Following its third reported homicide in the past week, the Mansfield Police has announced that it is implementing a homicide task force.
The homicide occurred on Wednesday, with officers responding to the area of 1165 Harwood Dr. at approximately 10:20 p.m. for a report of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers found a victim in the parking lot next to a vehicle, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased.
Police also noted that detectives had already been working on a shooting that had occurred at 103 Sturges Ave. just hours earlier. The victim had transported themselves to Ohio Health Mansfield’s Emergency Department after sustaining gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. As of Wednesday evening, that victim was in stable condition following surgery.
Police say that the two shootings are not believed to be related.
The fatal shooting marked Mansfield's fifth homicide of 2023 and third in the past week. Police say that of the five homicide investigations, four remain open and active.
"This recent uptick in gun violence is concerning and please let us reassure the community that every resource at our disposal is being utilized to address these investigations," Mansfield Police sad in a release. "In response, a Homicide Task Force has been implemented, which consists of Richland County Law Enforcement detectives and an Assistant Prosecutor. Their focus is to not only identify the suspects involved but to also reduce all gun violence in Richland County."
Mansfield Police added that community cooperation and involvement are necessary to aid investigators in these investigations. Anybody with information regarding these investigations is asked to call the crime tip line at 419-522-7463, where they can remain anonymous.
Editor's note: the videos in this story are from a previous homicide that occurred in Mansfield earlier this year.