Family releases statement after off-duty Cleveland Police officer involved in deadly shooting of 26-year-old

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The family of the 26-year-old man who was killed in a shooting involving an off-duty Cleveland Police officer released a statement Friday morning.

On Wednesday night, at about 8 p.m., Cleveland Police officers responded to the parking lot near 1435-1451 East Boulevard for a reported shooting.

When police arrived, they found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers provided first aid until Cleveland EMS arrived and transported the man to University Hospitals, where he was pronounced dead.

He was later identified as Akili Hammond. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has ruled his death a homicide, with the cause determined to be multiple gunshot wounds.

Police said a group was arguing when the situation escalated and gunshots were fired. The 22-year-old off-duty officer was at the scene when the shooting occurred.

Scanner traffic captured the moment officers discovered one of their own was involved.

Police found a gun at the apartments that they believe belongs to the victim.

Below is the statement Hammond’s family released:

Investigation underway

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation. The initial investigation revealed shots were fired by multiple individuals, including the off-duty officer.

According to the Cleveland Division of Police, the off-duty officer appeared not to be acting in an official law enforcement capacity at the time of the shooting. The officer was not injured.

“We are deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding this incident and the actions of the individuals involved,” Cleveland Police said. “The Cleveland Division of Police holds its members to a high standard, both on and off duty.”

The investigation remains active. Police said more information will be released when it is available.