TALLMADGE, Ohio — Tallmadge Police are actively investigating after three people were shot near a rental facility at a local park Wednesday evening as hundreds gathered at a birthday celebration for a man shot and killed in Akron two years ago, witnesses told News 5.
The shooting happened in the 100 block of West Avenue, which is about half a mile away from the Tallmadge Safety Center.
Police confirm the victims were rushed to a local hospital for what appear to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers from Akron and Mogadore assisted in securing the scene and Akron Police processed the crime scene.
According to witnesses, there was a group at the Ritchie Memorial Shelter celebrating the birthday of Dee Arius Reese, who was shot and killed in Akron in 2020. Witnesses estimated that more than 100 people were in the parking lot outside the rental hall when a car pulled up and an occupant opened fire.
"We were just standing out here having a nice time. It was almost time to go home. And someone just pulled up and started shooting at the crowd,” said Deundrea McCall. "Somebody else's life could've been [taken]."
Dozens of bullet holes could be seen in cars left in the parking lot on Thursday. A door to the hall was shattered and party cups and plates were left abandoned when the group ran from the gunfire.
“When we were running away, it sounded like they were following us, like the gunshots were following us," McCall said. "It was repeating, repeating, repeating.”
Jamyah Taylor said they were grateful no one was seriously injured, but they were terrified and frustrated the evening ended with violence.
“I don’t know why we can’t just have a celebration and have fun and go home,” she said.
Investigators said, as of Thursday afternoon, no suspects were in custody.
The incident is under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tallmadge Police Detective Bureau at 330-633-4231.
