A block party on Cleveland’s east side erupted in gunfire overnight, leaving one man dead, five others injured, and a community shaken. Authorities say more than 80 shots were fired during the chaos.
Cleveland police responded just after midnight Sunday to reports of gunfire in the 5900 block of Luther Avenue. When officers arrived, they found six people had been shot amid what began as a large gathering that turned violent.
“This is no way to solve an altercation,” said Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd during a Monday afternoon briefing. “People were in their homes, sleeping. You don’t know where those bullets will end up.”
The violence reportedly started with a fight involving several women at the unpermitted block party, which drew more than 100 attendees. Witness Dion Barksdale described the scene as terrifying.
“It sounded like we were in a warzone — like Iraq,” Barksdale said. “Folks shooting this way, that way — it was like an ambush.” He added that as fireworks masked the initial gunfire, chaos broke out. Barksdale, who was grazed by a bullet, stayed behind to help others, using his shirt as a makeshift tourniquet on a woman shot in the arm.
Police confirmed the death of a 27-year-old man at the scene. The five wounded include a 30-year-old man, a 32-year-old man, a 27-year-old woman, a 19-year-old woman, and an 18-year-old woman. Three of the victims remained hospitalized Monday, while the others were treated and released.
Adding to the tragedy, a dog was also shot and killed as it tried to protect its home from someone fleeing the gunfire.
Investigators recovered over 80 shell casings of various calibers, with the crime scene spanning from East 55th Street to East 65th Street. So far, no arrests have been made. Todd said detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and seeking witnesses but have received limited information.
Chief Todd urged residents to register block parties to allow police to provide added patrols and protection. “When you’re taking guns to a party, that could end in disaster,” she said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Cleveland homicide detectives at 216-623-5464 or Crime Stoppers at 216-25-CRIME. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Despite the violence, Barksdale said he refuses to let fear stop him from enjoying community events. “I’m worried for my city this summer. We need some togetherness,” he said.