Police probing deadly street party in Ohio believe drive-by shooter opened fire

AKRON, Ohio — Police are investigating a fatal shooting at a street party Think at least one person opened fire from a vehicle into the crowd in Akron this weekend, killing one person and injuring 24 others.

Investigators found more than 35 shell casings scattered across the street where more than 100 people may have been at the birthday party when the shooting began early Sunday, Police Chief Brian Harding said.

They also found two handguns at the scene and believe some people at the party shot at the vehicle, the chief said. Plastic cups, shoes and other trash were strewn along the residential street, bordered by empty lots and older homes.

As of Sunday evening, no suspects had been identified and the city’s mayor and police chief called on witnesses to come forward. Rewards totaling $22,500 for information leading to an arrest were offered by Summit County Crime Stoppers, the U.S. Marshal’s Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Akron officials said.

“The sheer number of victims is shocking and disturbing. I want to be very clear: everyone involved in last night’s shooting will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Mayor Shammas Malik.

The identity of the 27-year-old man who was killed was not immediately released. The injured range in age from 19 to 43, Harding said. At least two were in critical condition.

Officers tried to disperse the party Saturday evening, about two hours before the shooting, after receiving noise complaints, Harding said. There were more than 200 people at the party at the time, some shooting off fireworks. No arrests have been made.

Many returned to the scene and police received several calls about shots fired early Sunday just after midnight, the police chief said.

“We need to hold people accountable when they commit violence. That is the only way to keep our communities safe,” the mayor said.