Authorities have identified the victim and charged the suspect in a fatal shooting that unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland’s West Boulevard neighborhood, ending with police opening fire on the alleged gunman.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner confirmed that 38-year-old Deonte Alexander died at the scene near West 73rd Street and Clark Avenue shortly after 1 p.m. Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said responding officers found Alexander with fatal gunshot wounds.
Within blocks of the crime scene, officers located a man matching the suspect’s description. According to Todd, shots were fired when police made contact with the suspect, later identified as 49-year-old Sterling Pettway. He was armed at the time, though investigators have not yet determined if he fired at officers.
Pettway was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center in serious condition before being taken into custody. He is now charged with murder in Alexander’s death and assaulting a police officer. He is being held at the Cuyahoga County Jail.
Per department policy, the officer who fired their weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. Police have not released further details about the confrontation or possible motive.