AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Police Chief Brian Harding and acting Fire Chief Steven Kaut held a press conference on Sunday evening to provide updates on the mass shooting where 25 people were shot, including one confirmed death in the area of Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue.
In an update Monday morning, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office identified the 27-year-old man who died in the mass shooting as Lateris Cook of Akron.
Press conference details
In addition to the one confirmed death, authorities said two victims are currently in critical condition.
Akron police had responded to the residence where a party was taking place hours before the shooting took place for a noise complaint. While police were at the residence, they observed more than 200 people at the party, according to Chief Harding.
No arrests had been made.
The victims range in age from 19 to 43. Chief Harding said a total of two handguns and 35 shell casings from various weapons were recovered from the scene.
No suspects been identified at this time. Mayor Malik, Police Chief Harding and Fire Chief Kaut all emphasized the importance of anyone at the party to come forward with any information to aid the investigation.
A total of $22,500 in rewards has also been made available for the arrest and conviction of the person/persons responsible for the shooting by the following organizations:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives: $10,000
- Summit County Crime Stoppers: $5,000
- U.S. Marshall's Office: $7,500
The full press conference can be viewed below:
The Akron Fire Fighters Association released the following statement on Facebook:
Our collective hearts go out to the Kelly Avenue shooting victims, early yesterday morning. All Akron residents should be able to gather and celebrate without fear. This senseless act of violence must stop in our city.
When events turn tragic, your Local 330 paramedics and EMTs will always respond. Going towards the danger to assess victims, treat them, and transport them to one of our local hospitals. Many times, being the difference between a positive or negative outcome.
Akron Local 330 paramedics and EMTs are highly skilled and highly trained. That training was on display early Sunday morning with the scope and size of the incident. Coupled with outstanding work from our command and triage staff, all patients were treated and transported using 8 medical units, assisted by 3 engine companies and 1 ladder company.
With such a high stress incident, our paramedics and fire fighters concluded their shift Sunday morning and went home to rest. Relieved by a new shift of dedicated fire fighters and paramedics prepared to take over watch of the city. Those crews will return later this week to give one hundred percent effort again. Now, their mental health and well-being have become our priority.
Sunday’s tragedy is becoming far too frequent in this country. If it wasn’t before, Akron is now in the conversation with large scale gun violence. Local 330 paramedics and fire fighters will continue to stand guard and protect the citizens and visitors of Akron to the best of their abilities.
Details on shooting
Earlier 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.
Initial reports from police said there were 27 total gunshot victims. A statement issued hours later from Mayor Malik and Chief Harding, however, lowered that number to 25 -- which includes a 27-year-old man who has been confirmed dead.
Two firearms and several dozen casings have been recovered from the scene, police said.
Details surrounding any suspects connected to the shooting are unknown.
Anybody with information about the shooting is asked to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Tips can also be submitted to the Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS.
Akron police also mentioned the following resources for the community following the shooting:
"This was an incredibly traumatic event for not only the people who were present but for our entire community. We want you to know resources are available if you need support or someone to talk to. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call 9-8-8 to speak with someone at any time who can offer support. We also have outstanding mental health service providers right here in our community. You can call 2-1-1 for the United Way of Summit and Medina’s resource line; they can help connect you to the appropriate provider. You can also contact the ADM Board’s Mental Health Hotline at 330-434-9144 to communicate with service providers."
MORE COVERAGE FROM 3NEWS...
- Mass shooting in Akron: 1 dead amid 25 gunshot victims
- Reaction from Ohio politicians after 1 killed, 24 hurt in Akron shooting: Statements from Sherrod Brown, JD Vance and more
- Akron Mayor Shammas Malik releases statement after overnight mass shooting: 'We will bring those responsible to justice'
- Brian Harding sworn in as new Akron Police Chief: 'Together we will make Akron the community we all want'