July 9 (UPI) — Nine people were injured in a shooting in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, early on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Police responded to reports of shots fired at West Sixth Street and Johnson Court, at about 2:30 a.m. when a suspect fired into a group of people before fleeing the scene, WJW-TV reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The victims were hospitalized at MetroHealth Medical Center. At least one person is critically injured. Police are interviewing the victims and reviewing video of the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Gun violence is devastating Northeast Ohio and Clevelanders deserve to be safe,” Rep. Shontel Brown said in a statement. “This epidemic is tearing at the fabric of our communities, and it will not end without significant legislative action.”
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Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Cleveland Police Department at 216-623-5318 or leave an anonymous tip with Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest, according to WOIO-TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Police Chief Wayne Drummond said during a press briefing that the outcomes for the victims would have likely been worse if not for the quick response from police, who provided aid until paramedics arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It truly shows the massive gun problem we have, not just in Cleveland, not just in Ohio, but across this nation,” Mayor Justin Bibb said. “Every weekend we have a large police presence right here in the Warehouse District. Our first responders did a fantastic job to provide aid to all of the victims last night.”
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Bibb said there has been an uptick in gun violence across Ohio since the Republican-led state legislature passed Senate Bill 215 last year. The law allows adults 21 and older to carry, possess and conceal a handgun without a license, background check or firearms safety training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n