Statewide Task Force Nets 12 Felony Arrests, Nine Guns in Cleveland Operation

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A coordinated crime reduction operation across Cleveland on Wednesday led to 12 felony arrests, nine illegal firearm seizures, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles, according to Governor Mike DeWine's office. The operation brought together the Cleveland Division of Police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit as part of the governor's broader push to target repeat violent offenders in cities across the state. "Last night's multi-agency operation in Cleveland is another example of how bringing together local, state, and federal law enforcement partners can directly lead to safer communities," DeWine said. "These operations identify, locate, and stop violent criminals before they have the chance to cause harm." Traffic Stop Leads to Pursuit and Arrests Shortly after 6 p.m., Cleveland police received notification of a stolen vehicle and attempted a traffic stop near the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Trumbull Avenue. The suspects, later identified as Raj'on Foster, 18, and Camaron Brown, 20, failed to pull over. An OSHP aviation unit tracked the vehicle from the air until the pair stopped in a residential neighborhood and ran on foot. Officers took both men into custody a short time later. Foster and Brown were found with two stolen firearms, one of which had been illegally modified to fire fully automatically. Both suspects face charges of receiving stolen property, failure to comply, and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle. Additional Arrests and Firearm Recoveries Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit made six felony arrests during the operation and recovered six additional illegal firearms. In one case, agents arrested two teenagers found trespassing inside a community center while in possession of an illegal handgun and an AR style pistol. In total, the 12 people arrested Wednesday face charges that include receiving stolen property, failure to comply, improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, having weapons while under disability, tampering with evidence, obstructing official business, and drug possession. Part of a Larger Statewide Strategy State officials say the operations focus on a small number of repeat violent offenders responsible for a disproportionate share of serious crime. Since the start of the year, similar operations statewide have resulted in more than 410 felony arrests and more than 160 illegal firearm recoveries.