I-Team: Suspect in custody after 2 East Cleveland officers shot, 2 civilians killed
Share and Follow

[Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correctly identify Lateek Shabazz as the East Cleveland mayor.]

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) Authorities have arrested a male suspect in connection with the shootings of two East Cleveland police officers, the FOX 8 I-Team has learned.

An overnight manhunt ensued after two officers were shot and wounded late Thursday night in separate but connected incidents, according to city officials.

The officers had responded to a shooting that ultimately killed two civilians. It began as a domestic incident involving the alleged gunman’s relatives, Mayor Lateek Shabazz said Friday.

The domestic disturbance was reported at about 11 p.m. Thursday along North Taylor Road.

One officer was shot in the leg at the scene, East Cleveland Mayor Lateek Shabazz confirmed. As police surrounded the home and awaited a SWAT team, more gunfire was heard nearby.

A second officer was shot minutes later at the Town House Motel on Euclid Avenue, about a mile from the initial scene. That officer suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks, officials said.

The gunman fired on the second officer while concealed behind some brush, said Mansell Baker, the city’s safety director.

Both officers were rushed to University Hospitals and were reported to be in stable condition as of early Friday morning.

One of the two officers shot was in “good spirits” on Friday, though shaken up, Shabazz told reporters later Friday morning.

Officer Joshua Durda, who was shot in the leg, has been with East Cleveland police for four years, said Police Chief Reginald Holcomb. Officer Brandon Hernandez, shot in the buttocks, joined one year ago. Holcomb called both “exemplary officers.”

“This is a stark reminder of the risks our officers face every day,” he said. “I commend their courage and strength and assure the public we are doing everything possible to protect the public.”

City officials believe the same suspect is responsible for both shootings. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the alleged gunman, and the motive remains unclear.

Dozens of officers were at the scene, and Euclid Avenue near the motel was heavily secured as the manhunt continued. Police surrounded the motel, and the area was combed for the suspect, who was considered armed and dangerous.

An Ohio State Highway Patrol aerial unit scanned the area with an infrared camera. Forty members of a U.S. Marshals task force joined the search, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott told the I-Team.

Residents in the area were urged to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Officers caught up with the suspect near Shaw High School, near the intersection of Shaw and Euclid avenues, behind a home with no other connection to the incident, Elliott said.

“They had him boxed in. He couldn’t get out,” Shabazz said.

Elliott said the man charged at a member of a Marshals task force, who then deployed a stun weapon to subdue him. The suspect had removed his clothes and was wrapped in garbage bags, Elliott said.

“Whenever a police officer is shot, we will continue to stand united in law enforcement and pursue and capture those responsible, no matter where they run or hide,” Elliott said.

SkyFOX

The identities of the two people killed have not been released, pending identification by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call East Cleveland police. The number is 216-451-1234.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Stunned Antiques Roadshow guest apologises for 'nearly swearing'

Antiques Roadshow Guest in Shock: Apologizes for Almost Letting a Swear Word Slip

An Antiques Roadshow participant found herself apologizing for almost uttering a curse…
Fox News Campus Radicals Newsletter: Teachers unions' far-left activism, campus threats against VP Vance

Unveiling Campus Tensions: Teachers Unions’ Activism and Rising Threats Against VP Vance

The leaders of the United States’ two largest teachers unions, Becky Pringle…
Grieving father says daughter’s death by illegal alien shows cost of sanctuary policies

Father Highlights Tragic Impact of Sanctuary Policies After Daughter’s Death

A year has passed since Joe Abraham’s daughter tragically lost her life…
Trump prepares to 'punch allies' at Davos amid Greenland threat

Trump’s Bold Moves at Davos: Greenland Controversy and Strained Alliances

Donald Trump is set to deliver a speech to the world’s elite…
White friends bullied by surging mob who mistook them for ICE agents

Viral Incident: Innocent Friends Mistaken for ICE Agents Face Mob Fury

A group of men enjoying a meal at a deli in Minneapolis…
Knott’s Berry Farm guard bloodied in viral brawl over line cutting

Knott’s Berry Farm Security Injured in Line-Cutting Clash Captured on Video

A day at Knott’s Berry Farm intended for family enjoyment spiraled into…
Northern lights could be on display across several states Monday. Here's where.

Stunning Northern Lights Set to Illuminate Skies Across Multiple States on Monday – Check Viewing Locations

The “view line”—the farthest point south where people might catch a glimpse…
Pilot reports UFO hovering beside jet, leaving air traffic control stunned: 'Good luck with the aliens'

Congress Pushes for UFO Task Force as Lawmaker Highlights Mysterious Aerial and Underwater Phenomena Defying Current Technology

A Vermont legislator is aiming to reach new heights with a proposal…