Akron police are investigating a shooting in the Highland Square neighborhood that left two people injured early Sunday, June 7, including a man who remained in critical condition.
The shooting occurred about 1:23 a.m. while officers nearby in Highland Square were breaking up a fight involving two women, according to the Akron Police Department.
Investigators said two unidentified men exchanged gunfire in a nearby parking lot, despite multiple police officers being within about 50 yards of the scene.
A 26-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, neither of whom appeared to be involved in the confrontation, were struck by gunfire. Both were taken to a local hospital. Police said the woman’s injuries are believed to be not life threatening, while the man is in critical condition.
Investigators recovered about 20 shell casings from the shooting. No arrests had been announced as of Sunday afternoon, and the investigation remained ongoing.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said the shooting endangered numerous people despite a police being in the area.
“It’s troubling when an incident like this occurs despite the visible presence of police officers nearby,” Harding said in a statement. “The reckless actions of those responsible placed countless people at risk.”
In a separate statement, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik condemned the shooting, saying it reflected “a complete disregard for human life.”
“Violence will not be tolerated in Akron,” Malik said. “We will work tirelessly to identify those responsible, hold them accountable, and continue to get violent offenders off our streets.”
Malik also thanked officers who were already in the area working a neighborhood security detail when the shooting occurred. He said the city has been working with businesses and community stakeholders through a special improvement district to address ongoing public safety concerns in Highland Square, including public alcohol consumption, illegal weapons possession and late-night disturbances.
The mayor said recent measures have included increased police patrols, private security foot patrols on weekend evenings and enhanced monitoring of occupancy limits at local businesses.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2847.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Two injured in Highland Square shooting near Akron police officers
Reporting by Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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By Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
