CLEVELAND — Multiple people were hurt and one person was killed in a shooting late Saturday night in Cleveland.
The shooting happened near East 93rd Street and Way Avenue in the city's Union-Miles Park neighborhood at 11:30 p.m.
According to Cleveland police, a preliminary investigation indicated that the shooting involved "two rival groups."
An anniversary party at the location was hosted by the Omens Motorcycle Club and members of other local and national motorcycle clubs were in attendance, including the Zulus and Wheels of Soul.
A fight broke out and some people were ejected from the party. Shots started being fired between attendees and there were multiple shooters, according to police.
Police said that one person was killed and 17 others were injured in the gunfire.
An EMS spokesperson said a 48-year-old man, later identified by Cleveland police as Andre Dickson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 53-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were transported to University Hospital in critical condition.
A 50-year-old woman and 38-year-old man were transported to Metro Hospital in serious conditions. A 59-year-old woman was transported to Metro Hospital in stable condition.
Officials said a 30-year-old woman refused to be transported.
The remainder of the victims transported themselves to hospitals throughout the area, according to police.
“The loss of life is a tragedy, no matter the circumstances and I extend my condolences to the victims in this incident,” Mayor Frank G. Jackson said. “Once again, the easy availability of guns and the disregard for life leads to tragedy. The Cleveland Division of Police is investigating this incident and these perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
Councilman Kevin Bishop released the following statement about the shooting:
We again offer condolences to the families and friends of those injured and killed in a senseless argument that turned deadly when those involved resorted to shooting Saturday night at E. 93rd Street and Way Ave.
This doesn’t represent Ward 2 residents. My understanding is that motorcycle groups rented out a facility in my ward for a party. That this would turn violent, with one person killed and several others severely wounded, is more than unfortunate.
It’s unclear where the groups were from but I am telling all involved that the citizens of Cleveland will not stand for any retaliatory bloodshed. This needs to end here and now. I am confident that the Cleveland Police will find the perpetrators and they will be charged and pay for these actions.
Police believe many witnesses may have left the scene prior to being interviewed. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact homicide detectives at 216-623-5464.