AKRON, Ohio — A 16-year-old male was wounded in the stomach during a struggle for his weapon when he tried to rob a reported gambling operation Monday in South Akron, police say.

The teen has been charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, but two men also are facing gambling-related charges in connection with the site where the incident occurred.

Officers were called to the Royal Queens Party Center on the 800 block of Brown Street at about 7:15 p.m. Police say the site has been “on the police department’s radar” and has been “the subject of concern for area residents.”

When officers arrived, they found the suspect on the ground with serious wounds to his stomach. According to police, a worker at the party center says the teen arrived and took out a handgun. The worker tells police someone struggled with the teen over the handgun and the suspect ended up getting shot.

The teen was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, police say.

During the investigation, detectives found now only shell casings, but gambling machines and other gambling-related equipment, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Billy Walker, 34, who reportedly leases the building, and Donovan Alexander, 19, the manager of the gambling operation, were arrested when they arrived at the party center, police say. Both are charged with operating a gambling house on gambling-related charges, according to police.

The investigation is continuing and detectives are working to identify additional people present during the incident.

Anyone with information can call detectives at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS. Individuals also can send anonymous tips by texting TIPSCO to 274637. Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411or by accessing the link at www.AkronCops.org.

©2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit cleveland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.