Tragedy struck in Summit County over the Halloween weekend as gunfire marred celebrations at two separate gatherings, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The incidents, one in Akron and another in Springfield Township, left communities reeling from the sudden violence.
In Akron, the evening of October 31st turned deadly when police responded to reports of a shooting at a Halloween party in the 100 block of Paris Avenue around 10:45 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered an 18-year-old woman severely wounded by gunfire. Identified as Lashae Ellis of Akron by the Summit County Medical Examiner, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Two other teenagers, a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the same incident. Fleeing the scene after being shot, they were later hospitalized and are expected to recover, according to Akron Police.
Amidst the chaos, officers apprehended an 18-year-old male following a brief chase and recovered a handgun discarded during the pursuit. Although detained and charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Obstructing Official Business, the extent of his involvement in the shooting remains under investigation.
In a separate incident in Springfield Township, shortly after midnight, police responded to gunfire in the 1400 block of Canton Road. At the scene, authorities found two adult men—one suffering from a gunshot wound and the other with injuries consistent with an assault. Tragically, the man wounded by gunfire did not survive. As of Monday morning, the Summit County Medical Examiner had identified the victim as a 39-year-old man, withholding his name pending further investigation.
Both cases remain active investigations, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward. The Akron Police Department Detective Bureau can be reached at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip for those who may have pertinent details regarding either incident.