A 3-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man were shot in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon. Deputy Chief Ali Pillow said the boy died as a result of the shooting.
Authorities responded to an area near West 66th Street and Denison Avenue, where the toddler and the man were shot, and transported both of them to Metro Hospital, EMS said.
Police said the 3-year-old was in the car with his mother and his 11-month-old brother.
Witnesses said they heard a fight break out, then seven or eight gunshots.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb posted a statement regarding the shooting and confirmed the death of the toddler on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Earlier today, our city lost a precious child to gun violence. This heartbreaking incident is another reminder that we must come together as a city, state and nation to address this violence and its root causes.
— Mayor Justin M. Bibb (@MayorBibb) September 28, 2023
Persons of interest were detained on Rochelle Avenue and West 150th Street, according to police.
They have not been identified, and charges have not been released.
Police confirmed Friday that two people have been arrested in connection with the 3-year-old's homicide, and more arrests are expected.
The 31-year-old is stable, according to authorities.
Click here to view raw footage from the scene.
