An overnight shooting at a house party in a wealthy Summit County township has left nine people injured and police searching for suspects.
The shooting on the 900 block of Top-O-Hill Drive in Bath Township happened at a house rented through Airbnb. Officers responded just after midnight Sunday morning, said Bath Township Chief of Police Vito Sinopoli during a press conference Sunday.
鈥淯pon arrival, our officers were met with a chaotic scene and administered lifesaving aid to the injured,鈥� Sinopoli said. 鈥淲e can confirm that a large party was taking place at this location, which we've learned was advertised on various social media platforms, drawing a significant crowd.鈥�
Akron's mayor Shammas Malik is also pledging support from the city to Bath and remarked on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
"The City of Akron will do anything needed to assist Bath officials in the investigation that is already underway," Malik said in a statement. "Those who perpetrate violence anywhere in our community must be held accountable for their actions. This kind of deadly behavior cannot be normalized.
"In addition, the reports of so many young people at a rented house party are very concerning," Malik said. "As we learn more about the situation that occurred last night, it appears to be part of a broader issue - helping make sure youth across our community are safe. There is a significant role for parents in this regard, and there is a significant role for government."
Not all of the injuries were from gunshot wounds, but Sinopoli did not provide details on the extent of the injuries or many other details on the victims. Sinopoli said some injuries could have been from falls.
鈥淭he majority of those who attended this party were juveniles under the age of 18,鈥� Sinopoli said. 鈥淭here may be a mix of both adults and juveniles who sustained injuries.鈥�
"Preliminary investigation indicates that a large group of juveniles arrived at the home in response to a social media post promoting a party," said an early morning press release from Bath Township Police. "An unknown suspect or suspects fired multiple rounds from a weapon(s) inside the home, striking multiple victims and then fled the scene."
Several nearby law enforcement agencies and fire departments responded to the scene, including officers from departments in Akron, Copley, Richfield Village, Fairlawn and the Summit County Sheriff鈥檚 Department.
The state鈥檚 Bureau of Criminal Investigations is assisting with the investigation, according to Sinopoli.
鈥淭his kind of violence is unacceptable in our community, and we're committed to applying all available resources to this investigation,鈥� Sinopoli said. 鈥淲e're actively gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.鈥�
Short term rentals like the one where the shooting occurred are prohibited under the township鈥檚 zoning regulations, but not illegal.
Another shooting resulting in an injury occurred at a short-term rental in Bath in 2017, according to Sinopoli.
鈥淲e urge anyone who was present at the party saw something or has any information, including photos or video from social media to come forward immediately,鈥� Sinopoli said.
Anyone with information on the incident can contact Bath Township Police at 330-666-3736.
