Shooting in Warren leaves one dead, another injured

WARREN, Ohio - Police in Warren say 32-year-old Marco Dukes is dead after being shot Sunday morning.

It happened around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of High Street and Elm Court NE in Trumbull County. 

"I heard several gunshots. Probably about 15 to 20 gunshots…I came back out front and saw a man laying on the front porch bleeding and the cops arrived right after that. There had to be several people involved," said Eric King, who lives in a nearby apartment building.

It's not clear who the victim on King's porch was, but authorities said Larry Smith, who was also injured, is in critical condition at a nearby hospital. 

King was surprised by the gunfire and rushed to first protect his children at home.

"I put them all in the living room and came out and saw what was happening … I really don't know what to think right now.

Warrenpolice Sgt. Jeff Cole called it "rare" for a shooting to happen in the "popular and busy area." He did not confirm if it was drug or gang related, but said the area is not monitored for drug activity. It's known to be populated with kids, as the Cuddle Hugs & Kisses Day Care is at the same location of the shooting.

"Community safety is always a concern with our department, the city and City Council," said Sgt. Cole. "Fortunately, it's Sunday and no children were here. We did briefly speak with the owner of the day care and she has concerns as well."

It remains unclear how many shooters were involved.

One councilman said he "doesn't know" if this incident was drug related, but stressed the need to hire officers to replace those who have retired and bring back the narcotic unit.

"Re-instating this narcotics unit, we will be able to see more intangible results on the street. I think not only will it help our city, but I believe it will also give a hand to helping these officers that are out here as well by having that additional unit specifically focusing on something that we know to be the problem," said Councilman Eddie Colbert. 

Colbert also identified an issue of "stripping houses" for drug money, which he pointed out was a significant issue and that two abandoned homes were in the heart of the crime scene.

Two people have been taken into custody for questioning. There is no information on any immediate arrests.