CINCINNATI (WDRB) -- Four people died, including the suspect, in a shooting at the 30-story Fifth Third Center in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Police say two additional victims were sent to area hospitals, but they do not have information on their conditions.
Police Chief Eliot Isaac said the shooter, identified Thursday afternoon as 29-year-old Omar Perez, opened fire about 9:10 a.m. Thursday at the loading dock of the Fifth Third Bank building.
Isaac said Perez, who lived in North Bend, Ohio, then entered the bank's lobby where he exchanged gunfire with four officers that responded to the scene. He was ultimately shot and killed. Isaac credits quick action by his officers for preventing more people from being shot. No officers were injured.
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley said the gunman was "actively shooting innocent victims" and that it was a "horrific" scene.
Cranley also noted the building, which is the corporate headquarters of the Fifth Third Bank, also houses popular ice cream, sandwich and pastry shops. He added that the shooting "could have been much, much worse" if not for the immediate police response to end the threat.
Cincinnati Police said officers believe Perez acted alone, but the motive for the shooting is not clear. Isaac said he used a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, had multiple magazines and a "significant amount of ammunition." Surveillance video will be released Friday, Isaac said.
Authorities searched an apartment about 15 miles west of downtown in North Bend, where they believe Perez lived. Isaac said police believe he's been in Cincinnati since at least 2015.
The area around Fountain Square was closed to foot traffic for the investigation. Police said there is no threat in the area.
Fountain Square is a heavily trafficked landmark in the middle of the city. It is home to retail stores, business offices, hotels and eateries. The Fifth Third Center sits on the square.
Witnesses describe a chaotic scene. Servatii Bakery manager Jaenetta Cook said she hurried to lock the door after the first two shots were fired. She said she was relieved to survive, "to see my kids, to see another day."
Michael Richardson, who works in the bank building, told The Cincinnati Enquirer he started running when he saw the gunman shooting.
A woman who works on one of the lower floors of the building said her co-worker was on an elevator when the doors opened and she nearly stepped on a man's body.
Jessica Hanson said her co-worker was in shock and that's when people in her office found what had happened. She then saw people running into the square outside the building and ducking for cover as officers started shooting into the bank.
Fifth Third Bank issued a statement several hours after the deadly shooting:
"Earlier today, an active shooter entered our headquarters building in downtown Cincinnati. The situation is contained and the shooter is no longer a threat. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone caught up in this terrible event.
"We continue to work with law enforcement as we ensure the safety of our employees and customers. We are grateful for the support and concerns from our neighbors throughout Cincinnati and the country."
Ohio Gov. John Kasich called the shooting “senseless” and commended officials’ swift response.
“There was a senseless act of gun violence on the streets of Cincinnati this morning. I’ve spoken with the Mayor and informed him the state will provide any necessary resources to the local police,” Kasich said. “I commend the law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel who swiftly responded to the scene and share my deepest sympathies with the innocent victims of this violent attack.”
The Cincinnati Reds are showing support for victims of the shooting and first responders at Thursday night's game. There will be a moment of silence before the singing of the National Anthem.
Copyright 2018 WDRB Media. The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved.
