CANTON, Ohio — In a letter released on Friday, Canton Mayor Thomas M. Bernabei denied rumors circulating on social media that someone had been shot following the "Light Up Downtown" event on Thursday night. Rather, Bernabei said that a 34-year-old woman was arrested after firing three shots into the air, none of which struck or injured anybody.
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According to Bernabei, the incident occurred after several women were pushing and shoving each other near the corner of Market Avenue North and 4th Street N.W. After being shoved to the ground, a 34-year-old woman pulled a small-caliber pistol out of her purse and shot three rounds into the air. She was apprehended by Canton Police officers within 40 seconds.
"Unfortunately, these types of acts happen all across America and cannot always be prevented," Bernabei wrote. "There are rumors circulating over social media that someone was shot. No one was shot or injured. The video of the incident was thoroughly reviewed by Canton Police Department and the Mayor’s office.
"Public safety is always our highest concern. I thank the Canton Police Department for protecting and serving our residents and for their quick arrest of the woman in this incident."
Barnabei also thanked the Canton Fire Department, who he said advised that the fireworks display be postponed due to high winds. The fireworks display has been rescheduled for 6:45 p.m. on Friday night as a part of the December First Friday event.
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