The Akron Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the events leading up to the fatal shooting of a fifteen-year-old boy last Friday evening. According to information reported by Cleveland19, officers were dispatched to the area near the intersection of South Rhodes Avenue and Oberlin Court in response to the incident around 5:31 p.m.
On arrival, the boy was discovered with a gunshot wound and promptly taken to the Akron Children’s Hospital, where he was, amongst tears and distress, pronounced dead. The investigation has mobilized detectives from the Juvenile, Major Crimes, and Crime Scene units, as reported by WKYC. At this time, the police are diligently working through the early stages of the investigation and have not yet publicized the identity of the victim, nor have they announced any suspects.
"Today our city is grieving the loss of a 15-year-old boy whose life was taken by gun violence. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and people impacted by this senseless tragedy. I cannot overstate how deeply this affects us all," said Akron Police Chief Brian Harding in a statement obtained by WKYC. "The Akron Police Department is fully committed to finding those responsible and bringing justice to this family. We will not rest until we have answers." With these words, the community's attention is fixed on the unfolding investigation, bringing to light the alarming concern of youth gun violence within the city.
The shooting took place in Akron's Summit Lake neighborhood, an area that is now marred by this recent act of violence, according to cleveland.com. The neighborhood, which is typically vibrant and bustling, was locked down as law enforcement cordoned off the area. Officials and community leaders now grapple with the consequences of another young life tragically cut short, as the city continues to deal with the ripple effects of gun violence in what was supposed to be a space of safety and growth for its youth.
