Crime Blotter: Northeast Ohio – December 16-22, 2024

December 22, 2024

7-Year-Old Boy Injured by Gunfire in Akron

A 7-year-old boy in West Akron was hospitalized after a bullet was fired into his apartment from the unit above. The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 21. The boy sustained a gunshot wound and was in serious but stable condition after successful surgery. Akron police believe an upstairs neighbor fired the shot that penetrated the floor. Investigators found a bullet hole in the floor of the upper unit, though the resident was not home during the search. The police are seeking information to identify and locate the responsible party.

14-Year-Old Shot by Police During Car Break-In Investigation in Cleveland

A 14-year-old boy in Cleveland was seriously injured after being shot by police during an investigation into car break-ins. The incident began when officers observed a car with three occupants at a vacant home. As police approached, the teenagers fled. Later, police found the stolen car, a Kia Sportage, parked again. The 14-year-old, who was sleeping in the driver’s seat, woke up, put the car in drive, and subsequently hit a police car and a garage. When the boy drove toward the officers, one officer fired, hitting the boy in the shoulder. The teenager received medical attention and has since been discharged from the hospital. Police discovered a firearm in the car and noted that the involved teenagers had previously removed electronic monitoring devices. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, and the incident is under investigation by the police department’s use-of-force team.

Mother Seeks Justice After Two Children Fatally Shot in Euclid

LaShawnda Grier, an Ohio mother, is seeking justice for her two adult children, Mariana, 21, and Antwon Grier, 20, who were shot and killed on December 10 in Euclid. Both were fatally injured when gunfire broke out in an apartment complex parking lot. LaShawnda was present during the incident and attempted to save her children. The violence, reportedly motivated by jealousy over a boy, involved a group of women confronting Mariana and resulted in Antwon’s death while trying to de-escalate the situation. Surveillance footage showed the women before the shooting. Investigations by the Euclid Police Department are ongoing, with strong leads identified. Following the incident, an 18-year-old woman has been detained. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family’s funeral expenses, emphasizing the profound loss and the vibrant lives of Mariana and Antwon.

Prosecutor Seeks to Vacate Convictions of Four Men in 1991 Lorain Murder

Four men who have maintained their innocence since being charged and convicted in the 1991 beating death of an Ohio woman could soon be exonerated. Two of the men have remained in prison since the mid-1990s, while the other two spent more than 25 years behind bars before being released on parole in 2020. Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson filed a motion to vacate the convictions, stating that the case against the four … .” Tomlinson cited serious flaws in the case that … , including the absence of physical evidence linking the men to … . He now says he will immediately …

Two Officers Charged in Death of Man Who Pleaded ‘I Can’t Breathe’ in Canton

Frank E. Tyson, a 53-year-old Black man from East Canton, died on April 18 after being restrained by police officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge. Despite Tyson pleading “I can’t breathe,” he was held on the ground for an extended time and later died at the hospital. Following an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation probe, a grand jury indicted the officers on reckless homicide charges. Tyson’s autopsy indicated homicide due to acute intoxication by cocaine and alcohol and cardiopulmonary arrest. If convicted, the officers face up to 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Tyson’s family and their attorney view the indictments as a step towards justice.

Authorities Uncover Organized Crime Ring in Northern Ohio

Federal and local authorities have revealed details of an ongoing investigation into one of the most violent street gangs in Cleveland. At a recent media briefing, officials discussed the activities of the gang, known as the Fully Blooded Felons, highlighting their involvement in various violent crimes across the region. The investigation has led to multiple arrests and charges, aiming to dismantle the gang’s operations and reduce violent crime in Northeast Ohio.

Nine Indicted in Illegal Bar Scheme Across Northeast Ohio

Nine individuals in Northeast Ohio have been indicted in connection with a complex network of illegally operated bars that garnered more than $4 million in unreported cash. The 45-count criminal enterprise indictment, announced by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, details the operations of these illicit establishments. The accused face various charges, including racketeering and money laundering, as authorities continue to crack down on illegal activities undermining the region’s economy and public safety.