A frightening scene unfolded in Willoughby today as police responded to reports of an active shooter on Euclid Avenue near the hospital district. Authorities confirmed that a man allegedly shot his girlfriend in the face inside an apartment complex and then fled the scene, prompting an intense manhunt and community-wide lockdown.
The Incident
The incident occurred late in the morning on Euclid Avenue, in a residential apartment complex located just blocks away from local hospitals and medical offices. Witnesses reported hearing a loud disturbance followed by gunshots. Moments later, a woman was seen injured, and calls to 911 quickly brought law enforcement and emergency responders to the scene.
According to initial reports, the suspect is believed to have fired directly at his girlfriend during a heated altercation, striking her in the face. Her condition has not yet been confirmed, though some reports suggest that her injuries may be life-threatening. Paramedics rushed her to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
The shooter fled the apartment complex immediately after the attack. Police say he is armed, dangerous, and still at large as of this writing.
Community Lockdown
Due to the seriousness of the situation and the suspect’s proximity to busy areas, including medical facilities and residential neighborhoods, local authorities ordered a lockdown in parts of Willoughby. Residents were urged to stay inside, lock their doors, and avoid the Euclid Avenue corridor until further notice.
Nearby businesses closed early, and schools in the surrounding area were placed on precautionary lockdowns to ensure the safety of students and staff. Law enforcement has established a perimeter and is conducting door-to-door searches in some sections of the city while deploying aerial surveillance to track any possible escape routes.
Police and Emergency Response
The Willoughby Police Department, with assistance from neighboring jurisdictions, has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect. Officers are patrolling roadways, monitoring potential exits, and reviewing surveillance footage from the area to piece together the shooter’s movements after fleeing the apartment complex.
A spokesperson for the department urged calm while stressing the importance of public cooperation:
“This is a dangerous and evolving situation. We are asking residents to remain indoors, report any suspicious activity, and avoid sharing unverified information online. Our officers are working diligently to locate and apprehend the suspect to prevent further harm.”
Community Shock
The shooting has left residents of Willoughby deeply shaken. Euclid Avenue is a busy corridor with both residential and commercial buildings, making the sudden violence all the more jarring. Neighbors described the scene as chaotic, with police sirens blaring and officers quickly moving to secure the area.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing—gunshots, right here near the hospital,” one resident said. “It’s terrifying to think someone capable of this is still out there.”
Ongoing Investigation
As the manhunt continues, authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect, pending confirmation and further investigation. The condition of the victim also remains unconfirmed, though officials have stated that more updates will be provided as soon as possible.
