AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred early Monday morning in the parking lot of the Mason Community Learning Center.

What You Need To Know

  • At around 3 a.m., a shooting happened among a gathering at the Mason Community Learning Center parking lot 

  • Four people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

  • Dozens others were injured from cars trying to flee the scene
  • The incident is under investigation
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Akron Public Schools stated at around 3 a.m., there was a large gathering in the parking lot when the shooting happened. Officials said the school property was chosen randomly for the group to meet up. 

Four people, ages 14 to 20, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

More than a dozen people were injured by cars fleeing the scene, APS stated. Nobody died.

"We are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts are with all those affected," said Stacey Hodoh, director of Strategic Communications for Akron Public Schools. "We are grateful for the swift response of the Akron Police Department and emergency action agencies, and are fully cooperating with their investigation. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students and the entire Akron community."

There was also no damage to the Mason LCL building or the adjacent recreation center. The shooting was confined to the parking lot area. 

Mayor Shammas Malik addressed the city regarding the shooting.

"Early this morning, around 3 a.m., we saw a very different kind of scene with young people gathering in a large group with guns. In total, five people were shot and ten others sustained injuries as the crowd attempted to leave. Let me be clear, this behavior is completely unacceptable," Malik said in a statement. "As a city, we are working daily to tackle violence like this and to put a stop to gatherings of this nature. Teenagers have no business being out partying at 3 a.m. We need parents and our community to work with us to ensure that children are home when they need to be."

Detectives are currently at the scene. Certain areas of the parking lot remain closed off as the investigation continues. The recreation center is open to the public. 

APS noted school was not in session, as it is summer break.

"My message to our teenagers is that no party is worth your life. You have so much to look forward to," Malik said. "Don't let one bad decision take away your future or someone else's. Our city government will continue to work to uplift our youth and help keep them safe.”