Authorities in Bath Township, Ohio, are investigating a late-night shooting that injured nine people — most of them teenagers — during a massive house party at an Airbnb rental home early Sunday morning.
The shooting occurred around 12:16 a.m. on Top O Hill Drive, in a quiet suburban area northwest of Akron. Police said the party, which drew dozens of young people, had been advertised on social media, and the rental property was not legally permitted for short-term stays under local zoning laws.
When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, while others had fled or transported themselves to nearby hospitals. Emergency responders from several agencies, including Bath Township Fire and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, rushed to the scene to provide aid and begin collecting evidence.
According to initial reports, nine individuals were injured, with ages ranging from 15 to 20 years old. Authorities said that not all injuries were confirmed as gunshot-related — one person may have been hurt while trying to escape the chaos.
Police believe one or more suspects opened fire inside the home and then quickly fled. As of Sunday evening, no arrests have been made, and investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and social media videos from the party to identify those involved.
“This was a tragic and completely preventable event,” said Bath Township Police Chief Kevin Starrett. “We want to remind everyone that short-term rentals in our township are prohibited, and events like this put young lives in serious danger.”
The Airbnb listing for the home has since been suspended, and the host’s account has been removed pending further investigation. A spokesperson for Airbnb expressed condolences to the victims and confirmed the company’s cooperation with law enforcement, saying, “We are outraged by this senseless act of violence and stand ready to support the ongoing investigation.”
Residents in the normally quiet neighborhood described hearing multiple gunshots followed by screams. “It sounded like a war zone,” one neighbor told reporters. “There were cars speeding away and kids running everywhere.”
The incident reignited debate about the growing number of violent incidents linked to short-term rental parties. In recent years, similar shootings have occurred at Airbnb and VRBO properties across the U.S., prompting cities and townships to tighten restrictions or outright ban such rentals.
While investigators work to piece together what led to the gunfire, families of the victims are left shaken — and the community is calling for accountability.
“Our focus right now is on helping these young people recover and making sure this never happens again,” said Chief Starrett.
As of Monday morning, all nine victims were expected to survive, though several remain hospitalized in serious condition.
The Bath Township Police Department is urging anyone with information or video evidence from the party to contact them immediately.
Watch video below :
