Nine Injured in Shooting at Airbnb Party in Ohio

A shooting at an Airbnb party in Bath Township, Ohio, left nine people injured early on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 12:16 a.m. at a rental property located in the 900 block of Top of the Hill Drive, where a large birthday celebration had attracted a significant crowd, as advertised on social media platforms.

Bath Township Police Chief Vito Sinopoli reported that officers arrived at the chaotic scene and provided life-saving aid to those injured. The victims, a combination of juveniles and adults, were transported to local hospitals, although details regarding their conditions have not been disclosed. “Our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims, families, and all those affected by this devastating incident,” Sinopoli stated during a press conference.

Witnesses described a chaotic atmosphere as an unidentified suspect or suspects opened fire on the first floor of the home before fleeing the scene. Emergency response crews from over a dozen agencies, including police and fire departments from nearby Akron, Copley, Fairlawn, and Richfield, assisted at the scene to provide care.

Sinopoli emphasized the community’s need for safety, stating, “This kind of violence is unacceptable in our community, and we’re committed to applying all available resources to this investigation.” The Bath Township Detective Bureau, in collaboration with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, is actively gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to identify the individuals responsible for the shooting.

Police have also initiated contact with Airbnb and the property owner as part of their ongoing investigation. Notably, short-term rentals are prohibited under a zoning order in Bath Township. An Airbnb spokesperson expressed heartbreak over the incident, calling it a “senseless act of gun violence.” The company is working with law enforcement to ensure those involved are brought to justice.

Airbnb confirmed that the listing for the property has been suspended pending the investigation. The property was purchased for $1.2 million in 2022 by Michael Jones, who is currently facing federal fraud charges. Reports indicate that he defrauded small businesses of millions for grant-writing services that were never delivered. Before his imprisonment for six and a half years, Jones transferred ownership of the home to his wife, Shauna Gardner. Attempts to reach Gardner for comment were unsuccessful.

The shooting has raised concerns among local officials, including Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, who commented on the issue of youth safety in the community. He stated that the situation highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between parents, youth-serving non-profits, and government bodies. “The reports of so many young people at a rented house party are very concerning,” Malik said in a statement.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who attended the party or who possesses photos, videos, or other information to contact Bath Township Police at 330-666-3736. The investigation is ongoing as community leaders and law enforcement work together to address the broader implications of gun violence and public safety.