AKRON, Ohio — Akron police announced Wednesday night they have made an arrest in connection with a shooting that injured a 7-year-old child and a 19-year-old man over the weekend following a youth football game.
The initial incident occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday at Lane Field in the 600 block of Vernon Odom Boulevard. Authorities previously previously released photos of three people who were "not considered suspects" they were looking to speak with, and now say "there was a significant shift in the investigation after detectives developed additional information that sprung the case forward" later this afternoon.
Around 4 p.m., officers went to a home on the 800 block of Raymond Street just blocks away from the shooting. As police searched the residence, they say a 16-year-old boy "considered the primary suspect" threw a .45 caliber handgun out his bedroom window. The weapon was recovered, and the teen was eventually arrested and taken to the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, has been charged with felonious assault and tampering with evidence. Additionally, a 37-year-old woman who was also in the home faces an unrelated charge of having weapons under disability after a second gun was found in her room.
The 7-year-old child who was shot suffered a wound to the torso and underwent surgery at a nearby hospital for his injuries. He is said to be in "very serious, but stable condition" at this time and will require additional surgeries for his injuries. The 19-year-old was confirmed to have been shot in the leg. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
Akron police say that a preliminary investigation has determined that the victims were on or near the playground following a youth football game when an unknown male suspect opened fire. It is currently unknown whether the victims were the intended targets.
It is unknown if authorities are still seeking the additional subjects in the photo. Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau, Major Crimes Unit at 330-375-2490. Additionally, individuals can provide anonymous information to the following:
- The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS.
- Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637
- Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411 or accessing the link on our website, www.AkronCops.org.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
