COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, OH – A violent shooting along Colerain Avenue on Thursday afternoon has left two people dead and one critically injured, marking yet another tragic instance of gun violence in the area. The incident, which unfolded around 1 p.m., occurred near a bustling stretch of businesses, including Popeyes, Walgreens, and a Shell gas station, sending shockwaves through the community.
Upon receiving reports of gunfire, Colerain police responded quickly to the scene. Officers discovered two victims deceased inside an SUV parked in the Shell/Popeyes parking lot, the vehicle riddled with bullet holes. A third victim, found across Colerain Avenue near Walgreens, was critically injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have described the surviving individual’s condition as critical but stable.
Witnesses described the shooting as a targeted attack, with at least 30 rounds fired in rapid succession. “It was nonstop,” one witness recalled, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the incident. The SUV appeared to be the primary focus of the gunfire, though police suspect the third victim near Walgreens may have been struck by a stray bullet.
Initial investigations have led authorities to issue a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) for a white Chevy Malibu or Impala. The suspect vehicle was reportedly driven by a man armed with an assault rifle, but further details about the suspect or motive remain unclear.
The dual crime scenes—one at the Shell/Popeyes parking lot and the other near Walgreens—have presented challenges for investigators as they work to piece together the sequence of events. Law enforcement is currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses to uncover more about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Community members expressed their heartbreak and frustration over the incident, with many highlighting the alarming frequency of gun violence in the area. “This is happening too often,” one resident said. “It’s heartbreaking to see innocent lives lost in such a violent way.”
The Colerain Township Police Department has urged anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect vehicle to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the police department directly or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Authorities stress that even small details could prove critical in solving this case.
The tragic event has reignited calls for stronger measures to address gun violence, with local leaders and activists emphasizing the need for community involvement, stricter regulations, and increased support for law enforcement efforts.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the devastating loss of life and the broader implications of such violence. The Colerain Township Police Department has pledged to keep the public informed as more details emerge.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. In the meantime, the community mourns the lives lost and hopes for justice and answers in the wake of this tragic event.