AKRON, Ohio — According to the Summit County Medical Examiner, a 31-year-old man has died after a shooting at an Akron bar that the police chief is calling "senseless violence."
The shooting happened around 8:14 p.m. on Monday at the Noisy Oyster in the Merriman Valley area.
According to police, preliminary information revealed that an argument broke out between Larnell Nealy Jr. and the 31-year-old man, whom the medical examiner has identified as Eric Schaffer.
Police said at one point, the argument became physical before the shooting.
Schaffer, who police say was shot multiple times, was transported to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, where he died at 8:49 p.m.
A 35-year-old man who was a bystander was injured during the shooting.
He suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Nealy Jr. fled from the scene.
Police began searching the area and found clothes believed to belong to Nealy Jr.
Hours later, Nealy Jr. turned himself in at the Summit County Jail.
Nealy Jr. was arrested and charged with murder and felonious assault.
A judge issued a $1 million bond at his arraignment.
Schaffer's family is experiencing "profound loss," according to a statement sent to News 5 that said: "Our family is devastated by the passing of our son, our brother, Eric. We deeply appreciate the many gestures of support and goodwill we have received. However, at this time, we ask that you allow us the privacy we will need to process our profound loss. "
The Noisy Oyster released the following statement on the shooting, saying its employees are heartbroken and that the establishment will be temporarily closed.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik issued this statement: “Today, my thoughts are with the victims of this shooting, their loved ones, and all those who were present or impacted by this violence. I want to thank the Akron Police Department for their diligence, coordination, and quick work to locate and take a suspect into custody. Their response reflects the deep commitment our officers have to protecting our residents,"
In a statement, Police Chief Brian Harding said, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as they navigate this tragedy. What began as an argument escalated into senseless violence, and that is not acceptable in our community. I want to commend our officers and partner agencies for their efforts and quick response. We will continue to work towards preventing gun violence from impacting our community and holding people accountable for their actions."
