Listen: Church volunteers call 911 after shots fired outside Saint Malachi Parish

CLEVELAND (WJW) – It’s a call you hope no person has to make, but it was a call that became the only hope for those volunteering at Saint Malachi Parish Monday afternoon.

Paul Farace was inside the church’s kitchen making meals for the homeless when shots were fired.

“My first thought was, ‘get my brother,’ and I was wondering if someone is shooting to kill church people,” he said.

Quickly, Farace helped his brother with special needs and others for shelter. He locked the door and immediately dials 911.

However, he says the response on the other end of that call for help was anything but immediate.

“I hear the switching of calls. Then, repeating myself over and over. Then, I hear a recorded message in Spanish,’ Farace said.

Farace knew the only thing to do now was wait and wish to hear the blare of emergency sirens. Thankfully, that wish came true within minutes.

When Cleveland police arrived to the church, in their words, they found chaos.

Eventually, they were able to help two people who had been shot. They also detained one man who had been shot.

All three are expected to recover from their injuries.

Investigators believe it was a shootout between two individuals in the area, including someone on foot and others in a vehicle. It is not exactly clear if all three shot were the targets in the shooting.

The police chief made clear police do not believe the shooting has anything to do with the church.

It’s not yet clear what led to the shooting. Multiple police markers could be seen on the ground and nearby cars were also struck by bullets.

An investigation is ongoing and police plan on increasing patrols in this area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.