A devastating act of workplace violence has left the Cleveland community reeling after a tragic shooting at Barku Plastics, a local manufacturing company, claimed the lives of two employees before the gunman took his own life.
According to the Cleveland Division of Police, the incident unfolded late Monday morning when an employee opened fire inside the facility, killing two coworkers before turning the gun on himself. Authorities identified the victims as Tobias Gleinig and Ivan Aldergot, both longtime employees who were well-known and deeply respected by their colleagues.
Officers responded to the scene within minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting an active shooter at the Barku Plastics facility. When they arrived, they found three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical teams pronounced Gleinig and Aldergot dead at the scene. The suspected shooter, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, was also found deceased from what police say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators quickly secured the building, evacuated employees, and began piecing together what led to the shocking outburst of violence. Preliminary findings suggest that the shooting stemmed from a workplace dispute, though authorities have not yet confirmed the motive. Detectives are currently reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with company officials to understand the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy,” said Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Kinsley in a press briefing. “Our hearts are with the families of the victims, their coworkers, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence. We are committed to finding answers and supporting this community as it grieves.”
Barku Plastics, a longtime manufacturing business in the Cleveland area, has suspended operations for the remainder of the week as grief counselors and crisis response teams provide support to employees. The company released a brief statement expressing heartbreak and solidarity with the victims’ families:
“We are devastated by the events that occurred at our facility today. Tobias and Ivan were valued members of our Barku family — dedicated, hardworking, and kind individuals who will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones.”
Both victims, according to coworkers, had been with Barku Plastics for several years and were known for their professionalism and kindness. “Tobias was the kind of guy who’d help anyone without being asked,” said one employee. “Ivan always had a smile and made work easier for everyone. Losing them both like this is just unbelievable.”
The Cleveland community has since rallied around the victims’ families, organizing vigils and support funds to help with funeral expenses. Local leaders and mental health advocates are also using the tragedy as a somber reminder of the importance of workplace safety and accessible mental health resources.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with additional information about the suspect’s actions or behavior leading up to the shooting to come forward.
