CINCINNATI, OH – A late-night shooting near a recreational center in Ohio’s West End neighborhood on Friday resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, including several juveniles, according to various reports.
The incident, which occurred on Betton Street around 9:30 p.m., drew a significant response from local law enforcement. Cincinnati Police Department Chief Teresa Theetge confirmed during a press conference that six individuals had been shot, one of whom, a male, did not survive. The ages of the victims were not disclosed, but at least two are believed to be teenagers or children.
Chief Theetge expressed determination to bring the perpetrators to justice, condemning the incident as a tragic event that has become all too common. “It’s unacceptable on a Friday night that six people are shot in our city,” she stated.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval took to Twitter to express his grief and shock at the incident. He described the event as a “horrific tragedy” and asked for prayers while promising to do everything in his power to deliver justice against the “sickening, heartless violence.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and Cincinnati police have yet to provide any information regarding potential suspects. The area remains an active crime scene with access to several homes restricted.
The injured victims were transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, all suffering from gunshot wounds. The hospital, however, has not provided any information on the victims’ ages or conditions.
The shooting occurred less than a half-mile from Taft High School, where a football game was in progress. The specifics surrounding the death of a 5-year-old, reported in the incident, have not been disclosed by authorities.