CLEVELAND — Dominique Hullum, 31, learned his fate Monday at a sentencing for multiple charges connected to a Starbucks robbery that happened earlier this year in North Olmsted.
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Shannon Gallagher sentenced Hullum to serve 18-20 years for his crimes.
It was back on March 21 when Hullum entered a Starbucks near Lorain and Dover Center roads where the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office says “he verbally threatened customers and employees with a gun, stole money from the cash registers and then fled the scene.”
Authorities say Hullum then fired shots at police before fleeing the scene in a vehicle where he later became stuck in a back yard near Kingston Circle and Winton Park Drive.
“Once stopped, he again fired on officers before engaging in a standoff for nearly 30 minutes,” according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
After surrendering to police, Hullum was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office says Hullum pleaded guilty to the following charges on Nov 30:
- One count of aggravated robbery
- One count of felonious assault on a police officer
- One count of failure to comply
- One count of drug possession
Hullum also pleaded guilty to one count of felonious assault in an unrelated case.
During Monday's sentencing, two North Olmsted police officers spoke about the incident.
Officer Chris Kelley addressed Hullum directly saying, "I forgive you and I have been praying for you."
He also said he hoped Hullum would "find healing."
Hullum's grandmother spoke on his behalf, saying he was a "happy, normal kid" who suffers from schizophrenia and addiction. She praised the police officers and other "guardian angels" who protected him during the incident.
She also said she knows he has to be held "accountable."
Next, Hullum stood up and faced the police officers he put in harm's way. Through tears, he said: "I sincerely apologize. I am sincerely sorry."
He went on to say he "wasn't there mentally" the day of the crime, and doesn't remember anything. Hullum also said he was relieved he didn't hurt anyone and would take his time "bettering" himself while in prison.
Hullum will serve a mandatory 10.5-year sentence on firearm specification charges. During that sentence, he is not eligible for "good-time served."
Then, he could serve another 9.5 years for the other convictions, bringing him to a total of 18-20 years behind bars.
Upon his release, he will be on probation for 2-5 years, and his license is suspended for 10 years.
"I deserve everything," Hullum said in court.
Editor's note: Video in the player below was originally published in a previous article on March 22, 2022.