EUCLID, Ohio — 3News has learned that the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has been requested to investigate after a suspect was shot by Euclid police officers on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Euclid police, the shooting happened at around 1:30 p.m. amid a confrontation that happened at Sims Park. Officers at the scene tell 3News that a female was shot by a male, who ran across Lakeshore Boulevard towards a shopping center and Maria's Family Restaurant.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Eric Deon Parham, then ran behind the restaurant where he encountered officers. Police say that initially Parham raised his hands. Officers "repeatedly" ordered Parham to lie down on the ground, but police state that he began walking backwards and away from them.
Euclid police report that Parham "turned and reached for a handgun in his waistband" in front of officers. He was shot by police and fell to the ground.
Police officials say Parham was taken into custody and provided medical aid. He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment, then taken to the Cuyahoga County Jail.
A 9mm semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene of the arrest, according to Euclid police.
The 42-year-old woman who was allegedly shot by Parham was taken to an area hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Euclid police say Parham had been wanted for felonious assault on the same woman in an incident on May 17 that also included the firing of gunshots.
According to Euclid police officials, Parham has an "extensive criminal history," including arrests for aggravated robbery, felonious assault, firearms charges, and narcotics charges. He is currently in custody at the Cuyahoga County Jail awaiting additional charges stemming from the incident at Sims Park and the shopping center.
Euclid police officials confirm that no officers were injured. Two officers have been put on administrative duties, per the department's policy. BCI's Special Investigations Unit and Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene on Wednesday.
Kedrick Jones was taking out the trash during his shift at work before dropping down to take cover after hearing gunshots on Wednesday.
"It really just caught me off guard," Jones said. "There were bullets flying, and I was just trying to get to my car and be safe. ... My car was shot about two or three times, the officer said."
Jones works at Wingstop in the plaza where the shooting took place. He's still in his first week at his new job, and says "a really traumatic situation" like this in broad daylight comes as a surprise.
"It's very shocking," he added. Regardless of where you're at, you just feel a sense of safety and security. You never think something like this is going to happen."
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