CLEVELAND — A Cuyahoga County grand jury has indicted a man charged for his role in a shooting outside St. Malachi Parish in Cleveland's Flats late last month.
Richo Samuels Jr., 35, faces a total of seven felony and misdemeanor counts. They include:
- Discharge of a firearm on or near a prohibited premises (F1 - firearm specifications)
- Discharge of a firearm on or near a prohibited premises (F3 - firearm specifications)
- Having weapons under disability (F3)
- Criminal damage or endangering (M1 - four counts)
Samuels himself was one of three people injured in the incident that caused a panic on July 29 at the Catholic church on Washington Avenue, where the community had gathered for its weekly Monday meal. Officials say the building was not the target of the shooting, and Samuels was eventually arrested at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
Court records show Samuels has a long criminal history dating back to 2007, with prior offenses including drug trafficking, receiving stolen property, and and assault. Most seriously, he served multiple years in prison for separate crimes of burglary and identity theft.
Along with Samuels, 30-year-old Randall Russell is also facing charges for his alleged role in the shooting. Police arrested him on Aug. 1 as they witnessed an alleged aggravated robbery on Division Avenue, and officials tell 3News his case will be examined by a grand jury.
In addition, 37-year-old Rahmean Ponzie was arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities say the charges against him have currently been dismissed, but will be refiled.
Due to safety concerns, St. Malachi has temporarily suspended its Monday meal program.
