CLEVELAND — Cleveland officials gathered on Wednesday afternoon calling for accountability as summer violence continues throughout the city.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cleveland Police Chief Wayne Drummond announced during the press conference that 12 individuals were arrested in connection with a violent incident at an area gas station. The juveniles are accused of beating up a man and opening fire at the gas station near St. Clair Avenue and East 140th Street on Tuesday at around 12:30 a.m.
"This incident and others like it, are becoming a daily occurrence in our community,” said O’Malley. “Simply put – a small group of individuals are destroying the safety and quality of life in our downtown and outlying neighborhoods. This epidemic of violence needs to end. Every player in the criminal justice system must do their part to end this unprecedented wave of criminal violence.”
During the press conference, officials released a video of the incident, which can be viewed below:
“This brutal attack and use of guns is just one horrific recent example of the rising violence we have seen this summer,” Bibb said. “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.”
When Cleveland police officers responded for shots fired near the gas station, they discovered dozens of shell casings from multiple guns on scene.
Officials say that a 34-year-old man was attacked by multiple individuals who reportedly punched him and pointed guns at his face before he was able to run inside the gas station.
"This man is lucky to be alive," said O'Malley.
Shortly after, the group of individuals fired shots at a nearby vehicle before fleeing the scene in the following stolen cars:
- 2020 Hyundai Tucson
- 2020 KIA Sportage
- 2015 Hyundai Sonata
“This highlights the level of violence in our community. It is evident there in the video and it is something that our officers are dealing with on an everyday basis... These heinous crimes are being committed by juveniles,” said Chief Drummond. "To attack the man who is doing absolutely nothing is animalistic behavior and we can't have that in our communities. I will not accept that."
Following the incident, police responded to a home in a nearby neighborhood where two of the stolen vehicles were recovered. Officers entered the residence and found juveniles from 13 to 17 years old hiding in the basement of the house. Two of the individuals were found to have loaded firearms. Twelve of the juveniles have since been charged by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office.
“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.”
Drummond also noted that he believes the group of juveniles are most likely involved in multiple violent incidents and part of the "Kia Boyz."
The juveniles arrested are facing the following charges:
- 12 charged with receiving stolen property motor vehicles
- Seven charged with felonious assault, aggravated riot
- Seven charged with improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Five charged with having a weapon under disability
- Two charged with discharge of a firearm on or near a prohibited premises
- One charged with carrying a concealed weapon
Residents in Cleveland are being asked to report illegal and suspicious activity to law enforcement officials by calling 911. Additionally, anonymous information can be provided by calling CrimeStoppers at 216-25-CRIME or submitting an online tip.
Last week, 3News' Matt Rascon spoke with Mayor Bibb about the growing violence on the streets of Cleveland.
“It’s frustrating and, quite frankly, unacceptable, the level of criminal behavior we’re seeing in our city,” Bibb told Rascon. “I want to make sure that we continue as an administration to bring the full weight of the law and justice to these criminals.”
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