A 14-year-old boy was shot and injured early Saturday morning during a Cleveland police investigation into a stolen vehicle and a string of car break-ins in the Midtown neighborhood. The boy, suspected of involvement in the crimes, was taken into custody following the incident.
The Incident
The investigation began Friday night, as police looked into over 30 reported car break-ins in the area. Officers linked the teen to the theft of a white Kia Sportage reported stolen earlier that day from Saint Clair Avenue.
Around 2 a.m. Saturday, detectives located the stolen vehicle in a driveway with three occupants. As officers approached, the individuals re-entered the car and attempted to flee. Police identified the vehicle as the stolen Kia and pursued it as it sped through yards and onto St. Clair Avenue.
At approximately 3:20 a.m., the Kia returned to the 800 block of East 146th Street, prompting officers to set up a perimeter. By 4 a.m., police discovered the 14-year-old asleep or unconscious behind the wheel.
When officers attempted to make contact, the teen woke up, put the car in drive, and struck a police cruiser. He then reversed into a garage before driving toward officers, according to police.
One officer fired a single shot, hitting the teen in the shoulder. Officers immediately rendered aid before the boy was transported to a hospital for treatment. He has since been released and is in police custody. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle.
The Stolen Vehicle
The white Kia Sportage belonged to Cleveland resident Nicole Vandrei, who discovered her car missing from her workplace on Friday morning. Vandrei, who had taken precautions by using a steering wheel lock, said the theft happened in less than a minute.
Adding to her frustration, Vandrei said Christmas gifts for her four young sons—including LEGO sets and new Nike shoes—were inside the car. “Even if they find the car, I’m positive I won’t get any of that back,” she said.
Cleveland Police later confirmed that the stolen Kia involved in the shooting was Vandrei’s. The vehicle is now in police custody for evidence processing.
Investigation Underway
The Cleveland Police Use of Force Investigation Team is reviewing the officer-involved shooting, and the officer has been placed on administrative leave per department protocol.
For Vandrei, the incident underscores the senselessness of the crime spree. “We wake up and worry about getting to school on time and getting to work. They’re waking up stealing people’s cars. It is selfish, it is senseless, it is cruel,” she said.
The investigation continues as Cleveland police work to address the recent rise in vehicle thefts and related crimes in the area.