CLEVELAND — Nine people were taken to the hospital after a shooting that took place early Sunday morning at W. 6th Street and Johnson Court in the Warehouse District, according to police.
According to police, around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Cleveland police assigned to the Warehouse District detail responded to a call regarding multiple people shot outside.
Area residents said rowdy behavior near the bars isn't uncommon, but shots fired were alarming.
"I heard like 6 or 7 gunshots, and it definitely seemed like something different we haven't heard," Ryan Melillo said. "I went out to my balcony and see everyone running out to Johnson Court."
According to a preliminary investigation at the scene, as the bars let out on W. 6th Street, an unknown person shot into a group of people standing outside before fleeing.
Police Chief Wayne Drummond said in a press conference that officers were stationed in the Warehouse District at the time of the shooting.
"This particular individual started shooting towards the crowd, as we all know, that nine individuals," Drummond said. "The officers immediately ran to the gunfire, ran to the victims and rendered first aid. All the officers rendered first aid to the victims. As I stated, we had nine total victims, seven males and two females ranging from ages 23 to 38 years old."
The victims were taken to the MetroHealth Medical Center. There are no life-threatening injuries at this point. Of the victims, seven are men ranging in age from their early 20s to late 30s, and two are women in their early 20s, according to officials.
Investigators are currently in the process of reviewing evidence and video and have interviewed the victims, police said.
On Monday, downtown restaurant owner Bobby George confirmed to News 5 that he is offering a $50,000 reward for information that helps police catch the suspected gunman.
A shooting also happened in the residential area of Tremont, confirmed Cleveland EMS.
Three people were taken to the MetroHealth Medical Center in critical condition from the 2500 block of W. 6th Street. According to police, the incident involved an argument regarding food during a party. An individual pulled out a firearm and started shooting at three individuals. Their injuries are non-life threatening.
Cleveland officials held a press conference Sunday afternoon addressing the shootings.
During the conference, Mayor Justin Bibb said there has been an increase in shootings across Ohio after Senate Bill 215 passed last year. Violent crime has been steadily increasing across Cleveland as the police force keeps shrinking. So much so that Cleveland City Council has invested tens of millions of dollars into public safety, recruitment efforts and crime prevention, Bibb said.
"We need better legislation at the state and federal level to get illegal guns off our streets," said Bibb.
Homicides are up nearly 30% in Cleveland this year compared to last, and the Cleveland police force is still short 200 officers. On Sunday, Bibb also teased a big announcement in the coming days regarding officer recruitment efforts.
"We need Republicans and Columbus to give us mayors more tools to get guns off our streets," Bibb said. "I am sick and tired of getting these calls late at night. I'm sick and tired. From our residents and victims of gun violence and Republicans blaming us as mayors for violent crime. We need their help."
Cleveland City Council released the following statement:
The city was traumatized last night by acts of violence that led to numerous people being injured, some seriously. Every injury or death from gun violence affects us all and diminishes us as a community. Last night’s tragedies are no exception. We cannot tolerate the violence we are experiencing. We are better than this as a community. We’re keeping these and all victims of crimes top of mind and we are hoping and praying for the best. Gun violence and violent crime are a Cleveland - and a national - problem. And Council is committed to working with our community, with the mayor, and our division of police to prevent and reduce violent crime. Council has approved tens of millions of dollars for public safety and crime prevention strategies and initiatives. Recently Council approved nearly $3 million to expanding ShotSpotter technology to identify areas in the city where gun shots are occurring. Council has allocated funding for police car dashcams, as well as for safety and security cameras around the city. Council also approved $10 million dollars to go to crime prevention initiatives. We are advocating that the administration reach out to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office and the County Sheriff, as well the U.S. Marshal, FBI, Columbus and DC for support at the state and national levels. We can’t eliminate this violence problem alone. We need the community, the residents to do their part as well. Over the summer and beyond we’ll work to forge partnerships with people and organizations to make Cleveland safer. N.B. Cleveland City Council Leadership consists of Council President Blaine A. Griffin (Ward 6), Majority Leader Kerry McCormack (Ward3), and Majority Whip Jasmin Santana (Ward 14).
Congresswoman Shontel Brown released the following statement:
“I am horrified by the shooting last night in Cleveland. My office is in contact with local authorities and is monitoring the situation. I’m deeply thankful to the officers and first responders at the scene.
“Gun violence is devastating Northeast Ohio and Clevelanders deserve to be safe. This epidemic is tearing at the fabric of our communities, and it will not end without significant legislative action.
“The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law last year, shows that Congress can take action - if we keep listening to our constituents, not the gun lobby. This legislation strengthened background checks, provided funding for enforcing red flag laws and disarming domestic abusers, support for community violence intervention, school safety funding and more.
“Now there is more work to do, including establishing truly universal background checks, banning assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, closing more loopholes related to illegal gun purchases, cracking down on gun trafficking, and more.
“As a woman of faith, on this Sunday, I pray for the victims and their families. As a legislator, I will redouble my efforts to fight gun violence. This shooting and so many others like it across the country is a call to action and it’s time for Speaker McCarthy and extremist politicians to listen to the American people and bring gun safety legislation to the floor for a vote.”
Residents said though violence is growing all too familiar, it's unacceptable, and a solution is needed, fast.
"I think it’s terrifying knowing we are here all the time, and that’s when the bars are closing around 2 a.m. when we’re walking home," Devon Ceslak said. "So I easily could have been one of those people, which is scary."
Cleveland police are asking anyone with information on the Warehouse District shooting to contact them at 216-623-5318. Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME, and a reward of up to $5,000 may be available, said police.
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