Search for suspects in Akron shooting

AKRON, Ohio — More than eight days after the mass shooting in Akron that left one person dead, police are once again clarifying the number of people injured.

They now say a total of 28 people were shot, including 27-year-old Lateris Cook who died from his injuries.

And while police are still trying to determine who is responsible for the incident, the community is coming together to help the victims.

“To the 28 victims of last weekend's shootings, we see you, we hear you, we want to be there for you, we know you are hurting and we want to help collectively,” said Leanne Graham of the Disaster Assistance Program. victims.

Graham and the Victim Assistance Program are partnering with the United Way of Summit and Medina Counties, the Akron Community Foundation and the city itself, to create a Gun Violence Response Fund to support victims.

“This fund is not intended to finance prevention or intervention against violence, it does not concern municipal government initiatives, rather it is about providing support to victims,” said Mayor Shammas Malik.

The United Way and the Victim Assistance Program have already donated $25,000 each to the fund, designed to help victims cover expenses related to being a gunshot victim.

“These funds will help victims begin the healing process and not have to worry about mounting medical bills,” said Johnnie Hannah, Ward 5 Councilman for the City of Akron.

Fund organizers said they would develop a plan to ensure the money is used efficiently and distributed evenly to those who need it.

And while they think the initial $50,000 will go a long way, they also hope Akron residents will help their peers who are still recovering from the mass shooting.

“Being part of Greater Akron’s philanthropic sector, we know that we live in a very generous and giving community,” said John Garofalo, vice president of the Akron Community Foundation.