CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police has announced that they have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with last month's "street takeovers."
In addition, Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd is warning those who were involved in the incidents.
“If you were involved in these street takeover activities, the Cleveland Police will be coming to your door sooner or later," said Chief Todd in a press release.
Cleveland police say the Street Takeover Task Force conducted a search warrant on Wednesday and arrested an unidentified 20-year-old man on the following charges:
- Aggravated riot
- Tampering with evidence
- Disruption of public service
- Obstruction of official business
- Failure to comply
- Possession of criminal tools
According to Cleveland police, the individual arrested is believed to be "an active promoter, organizer and participant" in the street takeover incidents that occurred Sept. 28-29.
“This additional arrest further solidifies our commitment to investigating and arresting all those involved with this incident,” Chief Todd said. “As stated from the beginning, we have utilized a top-to-bottom approach and will continue to aggressively and meticulously examine every single tip, lead, and piece of evidence to ensure we bring those responsible to justice.”
As of Thursday, Cleveland police had arrested seven individuals during the street takeovers on Sept. 15 and Sept. 28-29.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police's Street Takeover Task Force Tip Line at 216-623-5474 or police@clevelandohio.gov.
CASE BACKGROUND
On Sept. 28-29, the city of Cleveland endured a night of "street takeovers" that impacted multiple locations as suspects stopped traffic, pointed guns at people, lit fireworks and attempted to start fires.
According to Cleveland Police Chief Todd, officials received an email from Cincinnati on Sept. 28 that revealed social media posts from groups coordinating the takeovers. She said the posts contained charged language, including, "We will not run from a cop. If you can't stand your ground, this isn't your meetup."
Todd says the first report of activity came from East 55th and Woodland at around 11:30 p.m., and then more and more street takeovers started popping up, dividing police resources. The final takeover area was reported on I-90 West at West 14th around 4 a.m. on Sept. 29.
Earlier this week, the Street Takeover Task Force arrested a 23-year-old Port Clinton woman who is believed to have been "an active promoter and participant" during the street takeovers.
The woman, whose name has not yet been revealed, was arrested on charges of aggravated riot and possession of criminal tools. A search warrant was conducted at her residence, where a 2020 Infinity Q50 was confiscated in addition to two firearms, a rifle, and "other items." The suspect was taken to the Cuyahoga County Jail.
On Oct. 15, police arrested 25-year-old Jordan Cortez McDonald of South Euclid specifically for his role in the street takeover of Lee and Miles on Sept. 29. He has since been indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury.
