Is it safe to gather in Akron? Hear from mayor

AKRON , Ohio (WJW) — Police continue to investigate a June 2 mass shooting , confident they will ultimately find those responsible. But as of Tuesday, they still do not have a suspect.

The shooting happened during a large birthday party that spilled out into the streets.

Police continue to focus on a white SUV that has been identified by several witnesses as the vehicle from which the first shots were fired.

“Since that time, our detectives have spent over 2,500 hours on this case. We have conducted in excess of 100 interviews and we have collected dozens of pieces of evidence — of physical evidence — for processing,” said Chief Brian Harding.

Harding confirmed that analysis of bullet casings from the scene revealed that at least two of the weapons that were fired had been previously used during crimes in another city, but he would not reveal the location.

“They (witnesses) describe that vehicle driving up slowly, the window going down, the male who was in the driver’s seat started shooting. At that point, the vehicle speeds off and we have multiple other people that start shooting back, returning fire after that, as a part of the party,” said Harding.

The shooting left 28 people injured and one 27-year-old man dead.

Harding on Tuesday could not rule out that some of the shots that injured party guests came from those at the party who were returning fire.

“That’s going to be one of the challenges with the case is we can’t identify which bullet is from which person. A lot of the injuries were graze wounds, so that is going to make that a challenge,” said Harding.

The department continues to work on the case with federal and state partners including the ATF, the FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. They’re still following up on more than 85 investigative leads.

In the meantime, the city announced that since the shooting it has hosted a number of large events that have drawn thousands of people to Akron without incident.

Those included the All-American Soap Box Derby, the Kaulig Companies’ PGA Tournament, a re-scheduled Juneteenth celebration and the Rib, White and Blue festival, among others.

“We are very proud of both the planning and execution of our safety plans but there’s always more that we can do to improve safety outcomes in our city,” said Akron Police Sgt. Michael Murphy.

The city on Tuesday drew residents’ attention to new guidelines for block parties and for community events that Mayor Shammas Malik believes will help keep large gatherings safer.

The guidelines are on the city’s website.

Malik also revealed that a new class of more than 40 police recruits is expected to graduate from the latest academy and join the department next month.

He also revealed that 688 people have signed up for future academies. And for the first time, the city has offered lateral transfers for officers from other departments who want to work in Akron.

That effort has resulted in 82 applicants who the city hopes to put through a seven-week accelerated academy in late fall.

That is hoped to bring the Akron Police Department, which currently has 418 officers, closer to its budgeted force of 488.

“This will allow us to hopefully have a little bit more consistent level of staffing throughout the year, especially addressing challenges in the summer month. It will also bring our department in line with best practices nationwide,” said Malik.

The mayor noted that public safety is and will continue to be the top priority of his administration.

A city gun violence response fund to date has collected more than $264,000 and dispersed nearly $250,000 to support shooting victims and their families “as they continue to deal with the impact,” said Tracy Carter director of governmental affairs for Summa Health.

To donate, visit the Akron Community Foundation website .

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