A 19-year-old man was hospitalized Monday afternoon after being shot outside a business in southeast Canton, according to police reports obtained by Jordan Miller News.
Officers responded to the 1300 block of Gonder Avenue SE around 4:25 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his stomach.
According to a Canton police report, a witness told officers he had arrived at the business to purchase groceries when he noticed the victim crawling through the parking lot.
The witness initially believed the man was intoxicated but soon realized he had been shot. He then ran inside the business and instructed someone to call 911.
The witness told investigators he did not see the shooting or anyone else nearby.
The victim was transported to Aultman Hospital for treatment. Canton Police Lt. Dennis Garren confirmed Tuesday morning that the 19-year-old was last known to be in stable condition.
According to a supplemental police report, two juvenile witnesses told officers they saw a suspect fleeing the scene.
The witnesses described the individual as a Black male wearing all-black clothing and a camouflage face mask.
Police said the suspect fled east between two apartment buildings and appeared to enter an apartment complex.
Officers established a perimeter and searched multiple apartments with the occupants’ consent, according to the report.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the business.
The victim’s mother, who works at the business, told officers her son had been spending time there earlier that day. She said she last saw him sitting at picnic tables around 3:45 p.m.
She also told investigators she was unaware of her son having any ongoing disputes with anyone.
Police collected the victim’s clothing as evidence, and detectives responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.
The shooting is being investigated as felonious assault.
As of Tuesday morning, police had not publicly identified a suspect or announced any arrests in connection with the shooting.
