A 16-year-old boy was tragically killed in a shooting late Sunday night on Cleveland’s southeast side, near East 65th Street and Hoppensack Avenue.
The Cleveland Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 11:30 p.m. after a caller reported hearing two shots and seeing the teenager collapse. Officers found the boy lying on the pavement outside a residence, where Jessica Figueroa, a neighbor, witnessed the aftermath.
“It might have been someone trying to rob him or waiting outside,” Figueroa said. “To protect my family, we called emergency services to help him.”
Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to MetroHealth Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Investigators marked at least seven pieces of evidence at the scene, including shell casings found in the street and nearby snowy yards.
During the investigation, dispatchers noted fresh tracks leading away from the scene, prompting officers to search the area, including nearby Rogers Avenue. Police have not released any information about arrests or suspects.
The incident has left residents shaken. Figueroa, who moved to the neighborhood eight months ago, expressed concern for her family’s safety.
“It really hurt me because what if it was a family member out here? It’s very sad,” she said. “I might think about moving because I have a son to protect, too.”
While some neighbors noted that the area has been relatively quiet due to its industrial surroundings, others are calling for increased police presence following the violence.
The teenager’s identity has not yet been released as authorities continue to investigate the shooting.