CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley are asking for help from the public in identifying a suspect who was allegedly involved in the November shooting in Public Square.
During a press conference on Friday, O’Malley and Cleveland police officials announced that Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.
In a video released during the press conference, the alleged shooter is shown firing at a group of people and fleeing into Tower City Center.
“Thousands of people were at Public Square with their families at a holiday event when someone fired multiple shots into a crowd hitting a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old. Both of those individuals are currently recovering from their gunshot wounds. Acts like these are destroying our community and will undoubtedly impact people’s desire to attend family events in Public Square. We need to hold the person involved in this shooting accountable,” said Prosecutor O’Malley. “We are asking for the public’s help. If you have any information regarding this individual please call Crime Stoppers or the Cleveland Division of Police.”
“The Division of Police is committed to the safety and security of our community. Since this incident occurred, our goal has been to bring those responsible to justice, and we will not stop until we do. We are asking our community to send a message that this will not be tolerated in our city, if you recognize any of these suspects, please call us,” said Cleveland Division of Police Chief Wayne Drummond.
The shooting happened on Nov. 25, during the WinterLand tree lighting ceremony. Cleveland police officers, who were conducting foot patrol following the tree lighting ceremony, responded to a large group of juveniles who were actively fighting in Public Square. While responding to the fight, police located the two teenage gunshot wound victims.
Following the incident, two 17-year-old boys who were in Public Square at the time were arrested on weapons charges, but one was later cleared of any involvement in the shooting. Officials have since been gathering information and determined that both juveniles are facing firearms charges, but are not connected to the shooting.
The full press conference can be watched below:
“This is not all juveniles, but there are certain juveniles who are using guns and are using guns far too often,” said O’Malley. “As we saw in the video, it appears that several of the kids were carrying weapons within their clothing. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured or killed during the event. But, I am very optimistic that the public is fed up with this situation and that we will get some tips to solve this crime.”
According to O’Malley, both of the shooting victims are still recovering.
“At the end of the day, this should not define Cleveland. We should be better than this. This is unacceptable not just downtown, but also in all of our neighborhoods.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dunn at 216-623-5318 or Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.
