C&P Newswire
SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio – An 18-year-old man lost his life in a tragic shooting inside the Shaker Heights Public Library on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities identified the victim as Charles Shanklin, a former student at Shaker Heights High School.
According to the Shaker Heights Police Department, officers responded to a shooting report at the Main Branch of the library, located at 16500 Van Aken Blvd., around 4:45 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Shanklin suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders immediately administered CPR until EMS arrived and transported him to University Hospitals, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police confirmed that a person of interest was taken into custody at the scene. While the individual’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, a Shaker Heights City Schools official stated that the suspect is a juvenile and a current student in the school district.
No other injuries were reported in connection with the shooting.
Shaker Heights Police Chief Wayne Hudson stated that additional details regarding the investigation are expected to be released on Wednesday.
In response to the incident, Shaker Heights Schools announced the closure of Shaker Heights High School and the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning on Wednesday, April 2. The district also advised that students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs would not need to report to their off-campus sites. Other school buildings in the district will remain open.
“As you are aware, a shooting took place earlier today at the Shaker Heights Main Library involving past and present Shaker Heights students,” the school district said in a statement. “In light of this incident, there will be no classes at Shaker Heights High School and the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning on Wednesday.”
Additionally, the Shaker Heights Public Library announced that it will remain closed until further notice as authorities continue their investigation.
The tragic event has left the community in shock, as residents and school officials express their grief and concern over the safety of students and public spaces. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as the investigation unfolds.
