Man killed in downtown Cleveland shooting identified

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Fox 8 I-Team has confirmed one person died after multiple people were shot early Sunday morning, in downtown Cleveland.

The shooting happened around 3 a.m. near East 13th Street and St. Clair Avenue.

“Officers immediately responded and located four individuals, a 24-year-old male, a
19-year-old male, a 26-year-old female, and a 28-year-old male, all victims of gunshot wounds,” police stated in a press release.

“Unfortunately, one of the victims, a 28-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of this unfortunate incident,” said Deputy Chief Schlacht.

The Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office confirmed the man killed was Tavon Thompson.

A relative told FOX 8 the victim had been out celebrating someone’s birthday that night and was caught in the crossfire during the shooting. The relative said Thompson was the father of three.

There’s no word yet on if anyone was arrested.

Sources also tell the I-Team that a gas main line was struck during the shooting and leaking outside of Read’s Jewelry and Loan store. Cleveland Fire Department secured the leak.

The shooting happened just days after Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced his summer safety plan.

The plan follows a “whole-of-government” approach  by coordinating the deployment of city resources, expanding community partnerships, and encouraging active engagement of citizens.

Bibb released the following statement regarding the incident:

I am both saddened and angered by this thoughtless and cowardly act of violence. It has claimed one life and deeply impacted many others. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. It is time to break the cycle of violence and find better ways to resolve conflicts.

Clevelanders deserve to feel safe in our city. My administration will continue to collaborate with law enforcement, local partners, faith leaders and community members to reduce the number of guns on our streets, target hot spots for violent crime and focus resources where they are needed the most. The Cleveland Division of Police is investigating this incident and I encourage anyone with information to come forward.

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