Juvenile Arrested, Suspected to be Involved in Multiple Car Break-Ins

CLEVELAND, OHIO — On November 11, 2024, the Cleveland Division of Police’s Third and Second Districts successfully arrested a 14-year-old male who was suspected in an aggravated robbery that occurred on October 31, 2024.

While investigating this aggravated robbery involving the 14-year-old juvenile suspect, detectives located the suspect in a recently stolen vehicle. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused, leading officers on a pursuit. The vehicle was later found unoccupied in a parking lot on Kenmore Avenue, and the suspects were believed to have entered a nearby home. After obtaining consent to enter the residence, detectives located the 14-year-old suspect along with two other juveniles, ages 13 and 17. All three juveniles were taken into custody without incident, and two firearms were recovered at the scene.

Preliminary investigation suggests the 14-year-old male is suspected to be involved in dozens of recent crimes, including Grand Theft of Motor Vehicles, Motor Vehicle Trespass (car break-ins), and Aggravated Robberies. This same juvenile has been arrested multiple times in the past for similar crimes. The crimes are all under investigation and charges are forth coming.  

“I continually say that the men and women of the Cleveland Division of Police work extremely hard to investigate crimes and, time and time again, make these great arrests,” said Chief Todd. “It is troubling to see juveniles bold enough to continue committing these violent crimes. I hope these arrests result in a visible change in their behavior and bring a sense of peace to our community who has been deeply impacted by these crimes.”

For the incident on November 11, the 14-year-old male was arrested for the original Aggravated Robbery and the added crimes of Receiving Stolen Property/CCW/Obstruction/Fleeing & Eluding. The 13-year-old male, who was wanted on a previous warrant for felonious assault, was also arrested for obstruction, failure to comply, and weapons violations related to this incident. The 17-year-old male was arrested in connection with the aggravated robbery from October 31, 2024.

“The sheer havoc this individual is believed to have wreaked on our community is beyond alarming and more so frustrating when considering how many second chances he has been afforded.  Instead of taking advantage of those opportunities he chose to continue his criminality,” said Mayor Justin Bibb.  “Residents are fed up, businesses are fed up, and I am fed up.  It is time that he be held fully accountable for the crimes he has committed and I’m hopeful the court system will do just that.”

The Division of Police is requesting any video footage that community members may have of car break-ins in the area of Downtown east to East 55th St. occurring between October 1, 2024, and November 12, 2024, as it is believed the 14-year-old juvenile may be responsible for additional incidents. Videos must include a previously filed police report number and can be emailed to jhoward@clevelandohio.gov.

This successful operation underscores the effective collaboration between the Cleveland Police Second District Violent Crime Reduction Team, Cleveland Police K9 Unit, Third District patrol, and detectives, contributing significantly to efforts to reduce motor vehicle crimes in the downtown area.