The Akron Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that took place yesterday afternoon in the Patterson Park area, leaving a 21-year-old man dead. Officers responded to the 600 block of Lucille Avenue at around 3 p.m., following multiple calls about gunfire in the area, News 5 Cleveland reported.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered the young man lying unresponsive near the basketball courts, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. As they began their investigation, officers found over a dozen rifle casings nearby, according to a press release obtained by FOX8. The sequence of events leading up to the shooting remains unclear. However, a vehicle—possibly an SUV—was reported to have fled the area after the shooting.
The victim's identity has not been disclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Still, the sense of urgency is palpable among law enforcement as they work to unearth the motivations behind this incident, deemed as another act of "senseless gun violence" by Akron Police Captain Michael Miller, as stated in an interview with News 5 Cleveland. Akron Police has also confirmed the recovery of a vehicle that may be connected to the crime and is currently undergoing DNA testing.
An eyewitness, residing just a stone's throw from where the calamity unfolded, recalled hearing the gunshots and witnessing a figure with what appeared to be an "AR style rifle" before the suspect took off in a vehicle, according to their account to News 5 Cleveland. Across the street, another local admitted to a creeping unease in the neighborhood. Especially given the proximity of children and recent gun-related threats, "It's kind of scary with the kids and stuff like that being around," they explained to News 5.
The Akron Police Department urges anyone with information to contact their Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through The Summit County Crimestoppers by calling 330-434-COPS or texting "TIPSCO" along with the information to 274637, as reported by News 5 Cleveland. This year alone, the Akron Police Department has seized more than 950 illegal guns, marking an increase from the previous year and underscoring a persistent struggle with gun violence in the community.
