AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Akron Police Chief Brian Harding have announced an update into the investigation of the deadly June 2 mass shooting.
Following interviews with numerous people, reviewing tips and analyzing evidence, Akron police have now released photos of a suspect vehicle connected with the shooting that left 27 people hurt and one man dead.
Officials believe that the suspect vehicle is a white SUV with dark-tinted windows. Following the shooting, the suspect vehicle allegedly traveled southbound on Kelley Avenue.
“This shooting has left a traumatic impact on the victims, their families, and, indirectly, the entire Akron community,” said Chief Harding. “As a result, the members of the Akron Police Department, along with all our partner law enforcement agencies who are assisting us, remain deeply committed to solving this case and bringing the person or persons responsible to justice.”
DETAILS OF THE SHOOTING
The shooting took place during a block party in the area of Kelly and 8th Avenue. Early Sunday morning, Akron police told 3News their officers responded to the scene shortly after midnight amid several calls of shots fired.
“Shortly after those calls came in, the call center received notifications from local hospitals that multiple persons were arriving in the emergency departments with gunshot wounds,” according to Akron police.
According to Harding, investigators recovered 45 shell casings from at least five different firearms at the scene. Three handguns were taken from the scene, while at least one person at the party fired back. The guns are being processed for DNA, which Harding says will take about a month.
According to Harding, the victim count in the mass shooting had risen to 28 as of June 10. A 36-year-old woman who was initially considered a witness was grazed in the arm three times.
27-year-old Lateris Cook died as a result of the shooting.
Details surrounding any suspects connected to the shooting are unknown, but authorities are offering a $22,500 reward in their ongoing investigation.
“The Akron Police Department is working diligently on this investigation, and this update brings them one step closer to solving this case,” said Mayor Malik. “We continue to encourage anyone with any information about the identified vehicle or this shooting to please come forward.”
Anyone with information on the mass shooting is asked to contact Akron police at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Additionally, anonymous information can be provided to the following:
- The Summit County Crimestoppers
- 330-434-COPS
- Text TIPSCO with your tips
- 274637
- Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tip411
3News Executive Digital Producer Ryan Haidet and Senior Digital Producer Dave DeNatale contributed.