AKRON, Ohio — A night out turned deadly after a shooting at Noisy Oyster Pub left one man dead and another injured, sending shockwaves through the local community. Authorities say the violence unfolded Monday evening, sparking a large police response and a search for the suspect.
According to Akron Police Department, 31-year-old Eric Schaffer of Cuyahoga Falls was shot multiple times in the chest during the incident. Emergency crews responded around 8:14 p.m. and rushed him to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead at 8:49 p.m. Officials confirmed his death has been ruled a homicide.
A second victim, a 35-year-old man, was also struck by gunfire during the chaos. He suffered gunshot wounds to both legs but is expected to survive, according to authorities. The presence of multiple victims has heightened concerns about safety and violence in public spaces.
Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Larnell Nealy Jr., who allegedly fled the scene on foot immediately after the shooting. Officers launched an extensive manhunt, deploying drones and K9 units to search the surrounding area as they worked to locate him quickly.
Hours later, at approximately 11:21 p.m., Nealy arrived at the Summit County Jail and attempted to turn himself in. He was taken into custody and has since been charged with murder and felonious assault. Authorities say he remains behind bars as the case moves forward through the legal system.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding described the incident as a “senseless act,” noting that it began as an argument inside the bar before escalating into deadly violence. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine exactly what led to the shooting and ensure justice for the victims.