CLEVELAND - On March 14, 2023 at approximately 6:22pm, Cleveland Police officers were conducting investigation regarding ongoing vehicle thefts of Kia/Hyundai vehicles. In the course of their investigation, officers observed occupants in a Kia Forte with no license plates pull into the lot at the Cedar Estates Apartments. The officers approached the Kia in their zone car and conducted an investigatory stop. As the detectives approached the Kia, four male occupants jumped out of the vehicle and began to flee, the unoccupied vehicle continued forward and crashed into a pillar. The driver of the Kia fled and was pursued by a detective, as the detective exited his police vehicle, the suspect fired multiple rounds toward him at close range, striking the detective in his arm and thigh. The driver then fled through the Cedar Estates Apartments.
Other officers on scene rendered aid to the injured detective, including the application of a tourniquet, and transported him to MetroHealth Medical Center for treatment where he remains confined. Two officers responding to assist on this assignment were involved in a motor vehicle crash in the intersection of Carnegie Avenue and East 30th Street. Both female officers, ages 49 and 52, were transported to MetroHealth Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Three firearms were recovered at the scene.
Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify the suspects in the attached photo. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 216-623-5464. Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME and a cash reward of up to $5,000.00 may be available.