AKRON, Ohio — A 58-year-old man was shot and killed Saturday in Akron, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office.
Officers responded at approximately 4:55 p.m. at Grace Park, located at 201 Park Street, for a shooting.
Officers located Randall Proctor victim lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Proctor was transported to Summa Akron City Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:12 p.m.
Detectives determined the victim, who was homeless and who had been staying at nearby Haven of Rest Ministries, was sitting on a park bench when an unknown person approached him from behind and shot him.
"It seemed to be an unprovoked, senseless tragedy. An attack, if you will, on a man sitting in this park minding his own business," Lt. Michael Miller, of the Akron Police Department.
The shooter fled the scene on foot heading northbound.
Mark Union, who is also homeless, said he knows the victim.
"He'd always come over and sit on the bench and just look at the ducks and everything. Real nice guy. Quiet," Union said.
A detailed description of the shooter was not given to police. Investigators are working to determine the identity of the shooter and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
"A victim of any type, no matter what the circumstances or background, did not deserve what happened to this gentleman here this Saturday afternoon," said Miller.
Haven of Rest Ministries released the following statement in response to the fatal shooting in Grace Park:
Haven of Rest Ministries mourns over this tragic loss. We have had the privilege over the past year to know and work with the man that lost his life. He was currently staying with us. A horrible event like this has both our guests and staff shaken and concerned. We know that having a place that is safe and clean can be hard to come by for a person experiencing homelessness, and that is why we are open every day to serve those in need. –Rev. Jeff Kaiser
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490.
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