CLEVELAND — Four men have been indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury for their alleged involvement in a shootout at St. Malachi Parish in Cleveland.
“These idiots engaged in a gun battle outside of St. Malachi Parish, firing over 45 shots,” said Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley. “Numerous bystanders were put in grave danger by their outrageous conduct.”
In new details released Monday, the prosecutor's office outlined the following charges in the case:
- Two counts of discharge of firearm non or near prohibited premises
- Three counts of felonious assault
- One count of aggravated robbery
- One count of robbery
- One count of having weapons under disability
- Four counts of criminal damaging
Rahmean Ponzie and Randall Russell
- Two counts of discharge of firearm on or near prohibited premises
- Three counts of felonious assault
- Four counts of criminal damaging
Jermaine George
- One count of aggravated robbery
- One count of robbery
As of Monday, Aug. 12, Cleveland police have arrested Samuels and Ponzie.
SHOOTING DETAILS
The incident started on July 29 when Samuels and George allegedly attempted to rob Ponzie, Russell, and an additional male outside of an apartment complex near Washington Avenue and West 28th Street in Cleveland.
Just before 6 p.m., Ponzie, Russell and the additional male found Samuels and George standing outside of St. Malachi Parish. Ponzie and Russell allegedly exited their vehicle and opened fire on Samuels and George.
The duo then got back inside their vehicle and began driving away. Moments later, Samuels opened fire on Ponzie, Russell and the additional male.
Officials say that during the shooting, over 45 shots were fired. George, Samuels and the unidentified male were all struck. All three men were taken to the hospital following the shooting. Several vehicles parked at the Catholic church were also struck during the incident.
Cleveland police used video evidence, firearm evidence and witness testimony to connect the four men to the incident.
Video of the incident can be viewed below:
Samuels and Ponzie were both arraigned on Wednesday morning. They both pleaded not guilty and are being held on a $100,000 bond.
Russell and George will be arraigned on Friday. Aug. 23, at 8:30 a.m.
Anyone with information on George’s location, Russell’s location, and/or who was present during the shooting is asked to contact Cleveland police at 216-623-5218.