'We were at a party and he got shot.' Frantic 911 calls shed light on Canton shooting
CANTON ‒ Attendees at a Sweet 16 birthday party that turned violent made frantic 911 calls for help after gunfire broke out Saturday night, injuring three people.
Police were called to the American Legion Post 44 at 1633 Cleveland Ave. NW just before 9 p.m.
The Repository obtained copies of the 911 calls from the shooting through a public records request with police.
A man who identified himself as the cook told a dispatcher he heard eight to 15 gunshots.
A frantic girl also called 911 screaming and crying, "We are at a party and he got shot." She told the dispatcher a boy was shot in the chest near his heart.
She begged to be let out of the building because she needed to find her sister.
Another caller said there was a gunman in the building. She said shots were fired but she was not sure how many people were shot. A large group of people were barricaded inside the building, she said.
The caller could be heard yelling at people not to open the door or go outside. The dispatcher encouraged her and the others to stay on the ground.
"We got a lot of people," the caller said. "We have a 16-year-old birthday party in the banquet room right now. Hurry, honey. Hurry."
A fourth person called 911 from the parking lot. She told dispatchers her nephew was shot, saying he was up and walking.
Party shooting at American Legion in Canton
Canton police said three people, an 18-year-old, a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old, were shot.
One was shot in the leg. Another was shot in the leg, chest and knee and the third was struck in the leg. Two of the victims were also grazed in the neck by bullets.
Two were taken to local hospitals by Canton Fire Department emergency responders and were expected to recover, Police Lt. Dennis Garren said. The third was taken for care by a private vehicle.
Two 15-year-old suspects were arrested at the hall.
One boy faces juvenile charges of felonious assault. The second boy is charged with felony tampering with evidence, obstructing justice and receiving stolen property. The second teen had a stolen handgun and hid it, according to police. Garren said the stolen gun was not used in the shooting.
Both were taken to the Multi-County Juvenile Attention Center. The teens were expected to be arraigned on Monday.
Officials continue to investigate what led up to the shooting.
Garren said reports indicate the fight took place inside and in the parking lot of the American Legion. He said that shots were fired inside the building.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
On Twitter: @aknappINDE
This article originally appeared on The Repository: 911 callers desperate for help after gunshots at Canton birthday party
