Lodi News-Sentinel

Cincinnati police: No active search for suspects in nightclub shooting that killed one, wounded 16

- By Dan Sewell and John Seewer

CINCINNATI — As Cincinnati police delved further into their investigat­ion of a nightclub shooting melee that left one person dead and 16 injured, city officials Monday urged more witnesses to come forward and offered reassuranc­es amid questions about safety in public gathering spots.

Police Chief Eliot Isaac declined to say whether police have identified possible suspects in the Sunday gun violence inside the Cameo club, a popular hip-hop music spot near the Ohio river east of downtown Cincinnati. But Isaac said police weren’t actively looking for anyone as yet.

“We’re gathering informatio­n ... we’re making some progress,” Isaac said after giving city council members an update on the investigat­ion.

Investigat­ors believe multiple shooters were involved; police estimate more than 20 shots were fired, sending club patrons diving to the floor or scrambling away from a chaotic and terrifying scene.

The FBI and federal firearms agents are assisting Cincinnati police.

Isaac said a number of people have contacted police with informatio­n, including a person who came forward Sunday evening to report having been shot, raising the total number injured to 16 besides the 27-year-old man who was slain. Two of the 16 injured were in critical condition Monday. Three other people remained hospitaliz­ed in stable condition.

The initial investigat­ion indicated a dispute in the bar escalated into a gun fight around 1:30 a.m., the chief said. No club security footage of the shooting has emerged, he said.

Isaac said some of the wounded could be key witnesses, and city officials urged any reluctant potential witnesses to help, saying they would be protected. Crime witnesses afraid to testify for fear of retributio­n have been a problem in some past Cincinnati cases.

Isaac said the nightclub had metal detectors, or wands, but wasn’t required to by law. Four police officers were working off-duty security details in the club parking lot, but he emphasized the club provides its own security inside.

Late Monday night, Cameo club operator Julian “Jay” Rodgers released a statement saying the club would close its doors for good on Friday.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States