Part of East 250th Street in Euclid was evacuated Thursday after an eviction notice turned violent, according to Euclid Police.
The people serving the eviction notice asked officers to be there while they served the notice to a man who lived in the home, authorities said.
When they unlocked the door, shots were fired, police said. Officers returned fire, and it is unclear as to how many shots were fired.
"I hit the ground, and I get away from the window, and then a few minutes later, the police came to my door and told me to go to the basement, you know, active shooter," said Jim Law, who lives next door to the home.
The 52-year-old man in the house, later identified as Chad McGraw of Euclid, sustained a gunshot wound to his head and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. It is unclear as to whether the gunshot wound was self-inflicted or from an officer, police said.
"I'm sorry to the community and the resident of this house and their family that this is the outcome of what took place today during what is a civil eviction process," said Captain Donna Holden, Euclid Police.
The Baliff and locksmith were able to retreat to safety while shots were being fired, one officer was trapped on the porch.
No officers were shot, but two are being treated for minor injuries. Police said it is uncommon for them to assist in an eviction notice, but they will when asked.
"I knew it was an eviction; the guy was having some issues with rent and stuff, but who knew it would come to this? I'm concerned about him. I've known him for 10 years," Law said.
In addition to the evacuation, bus drop-offs were halted in the area.
"You have kids that can't even proceed to get down to their apartments because of such things, so hopefully, everything works out," said William Watkins of Euclid.
According to a Facebook post from Euclid City Schools, buses would not drop off students who live within a two-street radius of the incident.
Those with a drop-off location in that area were to remain on the bus until the scene had been cleared.
This story will be updated as we learn more.
