By Tom O'Neill
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MOUNT HEALTHY - Two men were shot, one seriously, when gunfire erupted in the hallway of an apartment building on Christmas Day, police said.

Police were looking for two suspects who ran from the shooting at 7350 Martin St., one south and one north.

Police Chief Al Schaefer said from the scene that the shooting, which occurred at 5:02 p.m., appeared to be drug-related.

"We have quite a few runs here," he said. "It looks drug-related, but that might be some speculation on my part."

One victim was shot in the chest and was in surgery at University Hospital Wednesday night. The other man, with a gunshot wound to the leg, ran to nearby Elizabeth Street, where a resident heard him on the street yelling that he'd been shot.

Police said he was uncooperative Wednesday night. A nursing supervisor at University Hospital said he possibly would be treated and released.

Neither man has been identified. Police said the suspects were wearing black jackets but didn't have a more specific description.

Residents Wednesday night emerged from their homes to see flashing lights from squad cars from four departments: Springfield Township, North College Hill, Mount Healthy and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department.

Police dogs and police carrying shotguns searched the area but were unable to locate either of the two suspects.

The area is known to police for drug dealing and gambling.

E-mail toneill@enquirer.com