CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jalen Jackson, 23, for stealing an Amazon van, fleeing from police, and crashing into a vehicle – killing a 70-year-old doctor in Cleveland Heights.

“This case is truly tragic and shows Mr. Jackson’s complete disregard for human life. One man just trying to do his job was carjacked, countless people were put in danger, and another man – who had dedicated his life to helping others – died as a direct result of the defendant’s actions.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On December 6, 2023, Jalen Jackson approached an Amazon worker, 55, with a gun near Summit Park Road and Cleveland Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights. Jackson told the victim to get on the ground and if he moved, he would “blow his f****** brains out.” Jackson then got into the Amazon van and fled the scene. The victim called the police and the Cleveland Heights Police Department (CHPD) responded to the scene.

The CHPD saw Jackson driving the stolen Amazon van and attempted to execute a traffic stop. Jackson continued to flee and entered I-90 West, driving into oncoming traffic. He continued to drive the opposite way until he hit a vehicle head-on estimated at over 100 mph. Jackson exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. The CHPD responded to the scene and immediately arrested Jackson. EMS responded to the scene and pronounced the 70-year-old male deceased.

On December 12, 2023, Jalen Jackson was indicted on the following charges:

  • Two counts of Murder
  • One count of Involuntary Manslaughter
  • One count of Aggravated Robbery
  • Three counts of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer
  • One count of Discharge of Firearm On or Near Prohibited Premises
  • One count of Having Weapons While Under Disability
  • One count of Vehicular Assault

He will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.