CLEVELAND — A suspect is in custody after allegedly leading Cleveland police on a chase and robbing victims at gunpoint.
The incident began on Thursday, Oct. 3 at around 9 p.m. when Cleveland police say they received a call for a man with a rifle who was breaking windows at a business in the 4200 block of Fulton Road.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found shattered windows. In addition, police learned that a 49-year-old man attempted to intervene, but the suspect pointed a rifle at him, robbed him at gunpoint and fled the scene.
Police noted that the victim was not shot, but suffered minor injuries from the incident.
While investigating the initial incident, officers heard gunshots nearby. Moments later, a second victim, identified as a 31-year-old man, approached police.
Officers were able to quickly locate the suspect's vehicle fleeing from the area and a pursuit began. The chase went from Fulton Road onto I-71 and I-490 East. Eventually, the suspect lost control and crashed into the guardrail. Cleveland police took the suspect into custody and recovered stolen property.
"I am grateful to the men and women of the Second District and the entire Division for their continued hard work. The swift arrest of this dangerous individual underscores the commitment our officers have to the safety of our community," said Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd.
According to police, the suspect, a 41-year-old man, has not yet been charged, but was arrested on the following counts:
- Aggravated robbery
- Felonious Assault (3 counts)
- Having weapons while under disability
- Criminal damaging
- Felony fleeing and eluding
- Improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle
- Tampering with evidence/drug trafficking
- Violating state drug laws
- Possessing criminal tools
