Cleveland police have arrested four young men in connection with a June shooting that left seven teenagers wounded during a late-night gathering in the city’s Lee-Harvard neighborhood. The arrests come after a monthlong investigation by local and federal authorities.
The incident occurred just after midnight on June 8 in the parking lot of a shopping plaza near the intersection of Harvard Avenue and Lee Road. Initially responding to reports of illegal street racing, officers were redirected when calls came in reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, police found seven victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims included two 18-year-old men, three 18-year-old women, and one man and one woman, both 19 years old. Three of the injured were taken to area hospitals in private vehicles, while emergency responders transported the remaining four.
Following a weeks-long investigation involving surveillance footage, witness interviews, and over a dozen search warrants executed across Cleveland, Euclid, and Warrensville Heights, police announced the arrest of four suspects on Friday:
- Demarcus Johnson, 18, of Euclid
- Antwon Jones, 18, of Warrensville Heights
- Alonte Walker, 18, of Cleveland
- Carlos Crenshaw, 19, of Cleveland
All four face charges of felonious assault and aggravated riot. During the arrests, officers recovered five firearms, two of which were modified with illegal switches that enabled them to fire like fully automatic weapons. Investigators believe the seized weapons may have been used in other crimes as well.
In a statement, Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd praised the collaborative effort, saying, “This case is a testament to our department’s dedication to keeping Cleveland’s neighborhoods safe. We will continue to hold accountable those who endanger our youth and communities.”
Mayor Justin Bibb echoed that sentiment: “In Cleveland, this type of unlawful behavior is not welcome and will not be tolerated. Our message is clear—those who commit violent crimes will be found and brought to justice.”
The investigation also involved the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), whose Ohio Division Special Agent in Charge, Thomas Greco, highlighted the significance of the partnership in achieving these arrests.
Previously, a 21-year-old man had been detained by Shaker Heights police on weapons charges after being stopped in a vehicle linked to the scene. Cleveland police later confirmed that while the man had a presence at the gathering, he was not identified as a shooter.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Cleveland Division of Police or report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.