In the early hours of Sunday, June 2, 2024, a mass shooting erupted at a block party in Akron, Ohio, resulting in one fatality and 25 injuries. The incident occurred around midnight near Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue.
The Akron Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots. Simultaneously, local hospitals began receiving numerous victims with gunshot wounds, indicating the scale of the violence. The police have confirmed that a 27-year-old man, Lateris Cook, was killed in the shooting. The injured range in age from 19-43.
Approximately 200 people were at the party earlier in the evening but most left when police were called to the scene. Hours later around midnight 100 or so people returned. The police believe shots were fired from a passing car and some at the party returned the fire.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene at what had initially been a large, lively birthday party. Jehovah Jones, a resident, recalled the suddenness of the violence: “We just heard like fireworks. I thought it was the Fourth of July. Then I saw cars, and I saw everybody running. I was petrified. I was scared for my life. I got kids. What if that would have been me?”
Joyoux Payne, another witness, expressed bewilderment at the lack of any prior disturbance: “We’re outside, enjoying ourselves, and the next thing you know, we’re running for our lives. That fast. A lot of people out there, but there wasn’t no drama, no commotion, no fighting. Nothing. I don’t know why. We were all just out here having fun, we’re all dancin’, everybody listening to music and next thing you know, the gunshots went off as we’re all dancing, as we’re all enjoying ourselves, there’s bullets ringing out. How? Why? That fast.”
Police have recovered one firearm and several dozen casings from the scene. However, no arrests have been made, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear. The investigation is in its preliminary stages, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding issued a joint statement expressing the city’s sorrow and the ongoing efforts to find answers. “Today, our city is grappling with the aftermath of senseless violence. With over two dozen victims, the pain and trauma affect all of Akron as we seek answers. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” they stated. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and need the community’s help. If you have any information about this tragic shooting, please come forward. You can do so anonymously to help prevent further violence and retaliation.”
The Akron Police Department requests that anyone with information about the incident contact their Detective Bureau.