Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood was the scene of a late-night shooting on Saturday, with at least three people injured. The shooting occurred outside a strip of bars on West Market Street, where a large crowd had gathered.

According to security footage, a barrage of gunfire triggered a stampede of people fleeing and trampling each other on the packed sidewalk. Akron Police Chief Brian Harding announced that 18 shell casings were recovered from the scene, fired from three guns.

Response to the Shooting

In response to the shooting, city officials have announced that all bars in the area, except for one, will close at midnight this Friday and Saturday night. The bars have agreed to the early closure voluntarily, in an effort to prevent a repeat of the violence.

Highland Tavern, the bar perceived to be the epicenter of the gatherings, will be subject to increased scrutiny. City officials have expressed concerns about the bar’s promotions, which they say serve as a gathering point for sometimes-armed and sometimes-intoxicated revelers.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik stated that the city is pursuing every legal tool available to address the issue of reckless business practices. The city has also announced plans to increase security in the area, including the use of concrete barriers and off-duty police officers.

The shooting is the latest incident in a series of violent events in the Highland Square neighborhood. In October 2025, a 25-year-old man was killed in a crossfire incident on the same block.

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.