Euclid police released details on Thursday about a police shooting that happened Wednesday afternoon near a Downtown Euclid restaurant.
According to police, they were called to Simms Park around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday for reports of shots fired.
When police arrived at the park, they were told a man, later identified as 39-year-old Eric Deon Parham, had run from the scene on foot towards Maria's Family Restaurant across Lakeshore Boulevard.
According to the EPD: "Initially Parham raised his hands. Police repeatedly ordered Parham to lie down on the ground but he began walking backwards, away from police. Parham then turned and reached for a handgun in his waistband in front of police."
That's when Euclid police say officers opened fire.
The man was hit and fell to the ground, they say, at which point they administered First Aid. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance and treated. After he was released, he was taken into custody at the Cuyahoga County Jail.
Police say they recovered a 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun where the arrest took place.
Police say a 42-year-old woman had been shot earlier at Simms Park.
According to police, this is the second time since May 17 that Parham has allegedly assaulted the woman.
The two officers involved have been placed on administrative duties, per department policy. The state's Bureau of Criminal Investigations is conducting its standard investigation.
News 5 has requested officer bodycam video of the incident.
What witnesses saw
“I saw about two or three bullets fly past, and besides that, it was kind of all just a blur because it was a really traumatic situation,” said Kedrick Jones, a witness.
“Hopefully everyone’s alright, and there’s no need for violence. You know talk any situation over. Anything can be handled without guns,” said Jones.
Jones told News 5 he was caught off guard by the shooting in Euclid’s Shore Center Plaza.
“I was just trying to get to my car and be safe, and it’s really unfortunate what happened,” said Jones.
Jones said he did not get hurt, but his vehicle was caught in the crossfire.
Jones works at Wingstop, located in the plaza.
He told News 5 that he normally parks his car in this area because he thought it would be safer than parking on the street.
However, on Wednesday afternoon, he said he was sadly mistaken.
“Regardless of where you’re at, you just feel a sense of safety and security. You never think something like this is going to happen, so it’s just really an unfortunate situation,” said Jones.
