The Canton Police Department is urgently searching for Amir Lucas, also known as Amir Pepe Lucas, a 15-year-old accused of fatally shooting his 12-year-old brother in a tragic incident that has shaken the Canton community.
Police say officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at a residence in the 3600 block of Ellis Avenue NE. When officers arrived, they found a 12-year-old boy inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound.
The child was rushed to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name has not been released due to his age.
Investigators have identified Amir Lucas as the suspect and say he fled the scene following the shooting. An arrest warrant is forthcoming, according to authorities.
Lucas is described as standing between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Canton police have classified him as an endangered missing juvenile and warn the public that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard addressed the case, calling it a “tragedy for the community” and urging the teen to turn himself in peacefully.
“This is an unimaginable loss for a family and a heartbreaking situation for our entire city,” Gabbard said. “We are asking Amir to surrender and allow this situation to end without further harm.”
Police are asking anyone who may know Amir Lucas’s whereabouts to contact the Canton Police Department immediately at 330-489-3144. Community members are urged not to approach him and to report any sightings directly to law enforcement.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
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