CANTON, Ohio — The Canton Police Department is investigating after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Saturday afternoon.
At 4:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W.C. Henderson N.E. in reference to a shooting casualty, according to a press release from Canton police.
Police discovered a reported-as-stolen unoccupied gray Ford Fusion sitting on the roadway on 4th Street N.E. with apparent gunshot damage.
Witnesses told police that three males ran from the vehicle.
Officers discovered one of the vehicle's occupants laying in the grass at 407 W.C. Henderson N.E. The victim had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the chest, police said.
The victim was unresponsive and was transported to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital by the Canton Fire Department. He was pronounced dead at that time.
The victim was identified by Canton police Monday morning as Markis R. Hopkins of Canton. Hopkins was a student in the Passages program at Compton Learning Center, according to the Canton City School District, which issued a statement regarding the incident.
The Canton City School District is deeply saddened by the death of our student, Markis Hopkins Jr., a junior at the Compton Learning Center. We would like to offer our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and teachers.
Our crisis team and counselors are available to staff and students at both the Compton and McKinley Main buildings. Anyone who is in need of support can also call the Coleman Crisis line at 330-452-6000. The line is open 24-hours.
Please keep Markis' family, friends, and teachers in your thoughts.
Witnesses say the suspect vehicle, a red or maroon minivan, was seen chasing and shooting at the Ford Fusion before fleeing the area at high speeds, police said.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips can also be sent through Tip411 or the Stark County Crimestoppers.
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