AKRON, Ohio — A woman was shot and killed inside a vehicle near downtown Akron Wednesday night.
Around 8:00 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of Boulevard Street after receiving a 911 call reporting shots fired.
43-year-old Nicole Rollins, of Green, was found inside a Jeep Liberty. She died from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner. The death was ruled a homicide.
Lt. Michael Miller said it's not clear why Rollins, a mother of three, was in the neighborhood and detectives don't have any suspects. The victim's family declined to comment to News 5.
"It's quite possible she knew somebody in the area, went to the area to meet somebody that she knew, so all of those pieces will help paint the picture and give us a clearer understanding of what took place," Miller said.
Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the killer. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 330-434-COPS.
There have been eight murders in Akron in 2021, double the amount the city experienced at this time last year.
In 2020, there were 50 murders in Akron, the highest amount in many years.
Miller said officers continue to focus on getting guns off the streets. 794 guns were seized last year and 98 guns were confiscated in January alone.
In addition, a $4 million grant will be used to hire a dozen more officers, specifically focused on combating gun violence.
"Obviously, we can't be on every single street in the city so it does require the community to wrap around some of our efforts," Miller said.
