Wednesday, July 26, 2023 — Cleveland — Mayor Justin M. Bibb and Police Chief Wayne Drummond announced several individuals were arrested Tuesday morning in connection with violent crimes committed in Cleveland’s northeast neighborhoods.
“This brutal attack and use of guns is just one horrific recent example of the rising violence we have seen this summer,” said Mayor Bibb. “As I’ve previously stated, we are using the full weight of the law to hold criminals accountable and put them on notice that these actions will not be tolerated. I thank our police officers for their dedication and hope that this, combined with the announcement of my RISE initiative last week, will help restore peace to our city.”
On July 25, 2023, in the early morning hours, Cleveland Police officers responded to calls for shots fired at a gas station near St. Clair Avenue and E. 140th Street. Upon arrival, officers found dozens of shell casings from different guns on scene. The victim, a 34-year-old male, reported that multiple individuals viciously attacked him, repeatedly punching him and pointing guns in his face, before he was able to run inside the gas station. Shortly thereafter, the group of individuals fired shots at a nearby vehicle before fleeing the scene. While on scene investigating, officers observed two white Hyundais and a black SUV driving at a dangerously high rate of speed, with occupants hanging out of the car windows.
A short time later, a call came into police radio for screams heard coming from a home in a nearby neighborhood. Two white Hyundais, like those involved in this previous incident, were parked outside the residence. Officers entered the home with permission of the resident and located multiple individuals, both males and females ranging in age from 13 to 17, hiding throughout the basement of the house. Two were found to have loaded firearms and several were provided medical aid for injuries indicative of a motor vehicle crash, including airbag deployment. All of them were arrested and taken into custody of the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. Twelve have since been charged by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing.
“I am proud of the efforts of these officers, as they responded quickly and selflessly, reacting to developing information and taking multiple dangerous individuals into custody,” said Chief Drummond. “Members of the Cleveland Division of Police do great work like this every day, making a positive impact on the quality of life for residents in our city.”
As the City of Cleveland, like communities across the nation, continues to see increases in violent crime and gun violence, it is more important than ever that residents do their part and report illegal and suspicious activity to law enforcement. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies. Call 216-621-1234 for non-emergencies. Anonymous information can be provided by calling CrimeStoppers at 216-25-CRIME or submitting an online tip. A cash reward may be available in some cases.
Residents and businesses who own cameras can also help by registering or integrating them with SAFE SMART CLE – the City’s camera sharing access program. Registration is free, takes less than 60 seconds, and is done through a secure online portal. By signing up, residents and businesses directly contribute to safer neighborhoods and a safer city.
