A 4-year-old girl was killed and a man is “clinging to life” following a shooting Friday night in Akron, Ohio.
Around 9:15 p.m., police responded to a report of shots fired on Princeton Street, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said during the news conference.
“As information began to come in, we were notified that a 4-year-old baby and another male was also shot,” he said. “This has been a very difficult week for Akron.”
The police did not give details on the circumstances of the shooting. CNN has reached out to the Akron police and other city officials for comment.
The death of the child comes days after protests erupted in the city over the killing of 25-year-old Jayland Walker, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds when officers fired on him.
Akron implemented several curfews following the release of police body camera footage that showed the shooting. The city also canceled its July Fourth fireworks celebration out of an abundance of caution.
The mayor, police chief, and community leaders, who attended the news conference Friday night, implored residents to lower the tension in the city.
“We’re tired,” said Pastor Bradley Reeves of Restoration Community Church. “This has to stop. … There’s a baby here that won’t see 5,” Reeves said.
Akron officials have come under scrutiny following Walker’s killing on June 27.
“The police department has responsibilities that we need to address on our own,” Mylett said Friday night. “And I’m here to tell you as the chief of police, we’re going to. We’re moving in the direction that the people want.
“This is our community, we love this community. We love the people in this community,” the police chief said.
