With heavy hearts, the Kentwood and Grand Rapids communities are mourning the tragic death of 25-year-old Johnny Cisneros, who was identified by relatives as the man killed in an early-morning shooting on Kalamazoo Avenue in Kentwood. His death has left his family, friends and members of the community grieving as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Kentwood police said officers responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 4:13 a.m. Monday in the 5700 block of Kalamazoo Avenue, just north of Christie Avenue. Investigators said two people suffering from gunshot wounds were transported by private vehicles to a local hospital.

One of the victims was pronounced dead, while the second person was expected to survive. Relatives later identified the deceased victim as Johnny Cisneros, although Kentwood police had not independently confirmed his identity.

Cisneros was closely connected to a well-known Grand Rapids family business. Family members told News 8 that he was at least the third generation to run Cisneros Tire Service, located at Division Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Street in Grand Rapids.

The tire shop, which opened in the 1980s, has become a familiar landmark in the area. A large mural covers part of the building, while animals cared for by Cisneros, including a pig, have often been seen around the shop.

Police said the shooting appeared to be isolated and that there was no known threat to the public. At the time of an 8:45 a.m. police news release, investigators had not taken anyone into custody.

A relative of a witness told News 8 that a gathering had been taking place at the home before the shooting. According to the account, a vehicle stopped on the street in front of the residence, and someone inside began arguing with a person in the driveway before shots were fired from the vehicle.

The homeowner declined an on-camera interview but told News 8 that his daughter had been hosting a gathering of approximately a dozen people. The gathering had reportedly moved from the garage to the driveway before the shooting.

Evidence of the violence remained visible afterward. Empty cans, liquor bottles and what appeared to be broken glass were scattered across the driveway, which also remained stained with blood.

Investigators also found evidence that bullets had struck nearby property. Gunfire pierced a truck parked in the driveway and the front wall of the home before traveling through a dining room and lodging in a windowsill on the back wall. Fortunately, no one inside the home was injured.

The shooting has also raised concerns among neighbors about safety in the area. Jennifer Teunis, who lives nearby, told News 8 that the incident was part of what she described as a troubling pattern of crime in the neighborhood.

Teunis said she moved from Grand Rapids to Kentwood expecting a quieter environment but has become increasingly concerned about burglaries and shootings. She said the heavy police presence Monday morning made getting children to school particularly difficult.

She also mentioned the areas around Christie, Ridgewood and nearby Jaycee Park as places where she believes residents have experienced trouble.

For Johnny Cisneros’ loved ones, however, the focus remains on the loss of a young man whose life was suddenly taken. At just 25 years old, Cisneros had years ahead of him and was carrying on a family connection to a business that had served the Grand Rapids community for decades.

As investigators continue working to determine who was responsible and what led to the shooting, Johnny’s family and friends are left to grieve and remember him.

During this difficult time, thoughts and condolences are with Johnny Cisneros’ family, friends and loved ones.

May Johnny Cisneros be remembered with dignity, compassion and love, and may his family find strength and comfort in the memories they shared with him.

Rest in peace, Johnny Cisneros. You will not be forgotten.