A 14-year-old boy shot by Cleveland police early Saturday morning was wanted by the court on an unrelated case and had a prior criminal record, according to juvenile court documents.
The teen, who was shot during a police investigation into a stolen vehicle and a series of car break-ins, is now facing additional charges, including felonious assault and receiving stolen property. He is being held at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center after being treated and released from the hospital.
A Troubling History
Court records reveal that the teen was previously charged with receiving stolen property and had an outstanding warrant since November 25 after cutting off his court-ordered ankle monitor. This warrant followed a house arrest order issued on November 19. Additionally, Euclid police had charged the teen in September with fleeing and eluding.
Saturday’s Incident
The confrontation occurred as Cleveland police were investigating more than 30 recent car break-ins in the Midtown neighborhood. Detectives identified two juvenile suspects with prior arrests for similar offenses, both of whom had removed their ankle monitors.
Around 4 a.m. on Saturday, officers located a stolen white Kia Sportage on East 146th Street with one occupant, later identified as the 14-year-old, asleep or unconscious in the driver’s seat.
Police say the situation escalated when the teen woke up, put the vehicle in drive, and struck a marked police cruiser. He then attempted to use the stolen car to push the cruiser out of the way, reversed into a garage, and again drove forward toward the officers. At that point, one officer fired, striking the teen once in the right shoulder.
Officers removed the teen from the vehicle, immediately rendered aid, and transported him to a hospital.
Ongoing Investigation
The Cleveland Division of Police Use of Force Investigation Team is currently reviewing the incident, and the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with department protocol.
The teen remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court soon, where he faces multiple charges stemming from the recent incident and prior cases.