This video was captured by Matt Euson from his building at 1302 Main Street in OTR. You can see people running around frantically during the quick shots.
In the process of breaking up this crowd, two groups broke out in a physical altercation. CPD said at least two people involved in the altercation drew firearms and exchanged gunfire near the intersection of Main and Woodward streets. At least 15 shots were fired, according to investigators.
Two officers assigned to the Civil Disturbance Response Team (CDRT) saw an individual shooting south of this intersection on Main Street. CPD said one of those CDRT officers, Joe Shook, fired a round with his weapon at that individual. CPD said the individual fled eastbound on Sycamore Street.
“We have a Cincinnati police officer who discharged a round, and we don’t know if that officer hit the individual he was shooting at,” John said. “What I can tell you is that the individual that I was shooting was actively discharging a firearm at the time.”
CPD said Shook has been with the department since January 2016. Deputy Chief John said Shook’s actions undoubtedly saved lives.
John said CPD deployed two “bang balls” — a percussion instrument used by police — that were thrown into the street to disperse the large crowd and treat the injured. He said officers applied tourniquets at the scene.
Police closed off Main Street to several different streets for several hours. All roads have since reopened.
Along with the OTR shooting, John said there was also another shooting in the central business district where two people were shot. John said the two incidents were not related.
“Today’s events are completely and utterly unacceptable,” said Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. “The use of weapons to resolve disputes cannot become a normal part of our culture. I want to express the City’s gratitude to the officers at the scene. Their quick response likely saved many more of injuries and prevented loss of life.”
Police continue to investigate the shooting and said the investigation is still in the preliminary stages.
“We know a lot of people left the scene who might have seen something,” John said. “We’re looking for any witness statements that we can get. So if anybody has anything, if they have video footage, anything on their phone, of course we’d like to use that to see if we can determine exactly how this event unfolded “.
CPD is currently looking for at least 2 shooters. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has additional information is asked to contact CPD’s Criminal Investigations Section at 513-352-3542.
