CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury returned an indictment charging Richo Samuels Jr., 35, Rahmean Ponzie, 37, Randall Russell, 30, and Jermaine George, 53, for their involvement in a shootout at St. Malachi Parish in Cleveland.

“These idiots engaged in a gun battle outside of St. Malachi Parish, firing over 45 shots. Numerous bystanders were put in grave danger by their outrageous conduct.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On July 29, 2024, Richo Samuels and Jermaine George attempted to rob Rahmean Ponzie, Randall Russell, and an additional male, 49, outside of an apartment complex near Washington Avenue and West 28th Street in Cleveland.

Later that same day, a little before 6 p.m., Ponzie, Russell, and the additional male located Samuels and George standing outside at St. Malachi Parish near West 25th Street and Washington Avenue in Cleveland. Ponzie and Russell exited their vehicle and opened fire on Samuels and George. They then got back inside of their vehicle and began to drive away. As they were driving away, Samuels opened fire on Ponzie, Russell, and the additional male.

During the shooting, over 45 shots were fired. George, Samuels, and the additional male were all struck. In addition, around seven people were outside of St. Malachi Parish and in close proximity to the shooting. No additional bystanders were shot. Several vehicles parked at St. Malachi Parish were also struck. The Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) responded to the scene and Samuels, George, and the additional male were transported to the hospital.

The initial investigation conducted by CDP utilized video evidence, firearm evidence, and witness testimony to link Samuels, Ponzie, Russell, and George to the incident. Samuels and Ponzie have been arrested and are in custody. The investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any information about the incident, George’s location, Russell’s location, and/or were present during the shooting, please call CDP’s Second District at 216.623.5218.

You can view video of the incident below.

On August 9, 2024, Richo Samuels Jr. was indicted on the following charges:

  • Two counts of Discharge of Firearm On or Near Prohibited Premises
  • Three counts of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Aggravated Robbery
  • One count of Robbery
  • One count of Having Weapons Under Disability
  • Four counts of Criminal Damaging

Rahmean Ponzie and Randall Russell were indicted on the following charges:

  • Two counts of Discharge of Firearm On or Near Prohibited Premises
  • Three counts of Felonious Assault
  • Four counts of Criminal Damaging

Jermaine George was indicted on the following charges:

  • One count of Aggravated Robbery
  • One count of Robbery

Samuels, George, Ponzie, and Russell will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.