PARMA, Ohio — Editor's Note: The above story aired on March 16, 2021
In the aftermath of a shooting last weekend that claimed the lives of two people, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill in Parma is promising changes.
In a Facebook post, Rookies wrote in part: "After the events that took place this weekend, it has left us heartbroken and feeling lost. We have always kept the community that we do business and live in to the highest regards and respect.
We want to continue to ensure that our team, customers and community feel comfortable in a place that we can all enjoy. There will be changes, some suttle and some more evident.
You will see a police presence in our locations, uniformed and plain clothed officers. They will not be there counting your drinks or spoilng a good night out, they are there strictly to ensure the comfortability of our staff and patrons."
Michael Acierno and Timoteo "Tim" Cruz were shot and killed early Saturday morning at Rookies. Cruz, an off-duty Cuyahoga County corrections officer working as a security guard for the bar, apparently risked his own life by firing his own weapon at the suspects after Acierno was shot first.
Two suspects, Luis Carlos Candelario and Juan Carlos Perez, are currently in custody for the murders of both Acierno and Cruz. It was not specified who may have fired the shots at each victim.
"Our belief that Rookies is and can continue to be a place where the local community can enjoy some pretty good bar food, watch your local teams win (or try to!). Share memories with family/ friends, hold their fundraisers , play pool and darts with all the comfort they deserve. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and for your continued support, prayers and encouragement. We are committed to making the experience better everyday," Rookies Sports Bar & Grill added on Facebook.
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Editor's Note: The below vigil for Tim Cruz is from March 18, 2021