CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley calls for accountability as recent incident involving 12 juveniles beating a man and firing several shots at a gas station in Cleveland highlights the rise in juvenile violence.

“This incident and others like it, are becoming a daily occurrence in our community. Simply put – a small group of individuals are destroying the safety and quality of life in our downtown and outlying neighborhoods. This epidemic of violence needs to end. Every player in the criminal justice system must do their part to end this unprecedented wave of criminal violence.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On July 25, 2023, at approximately 12:40 a.m., a group of juveniles, ages 12 to 16, arrived at the Shell gas station near St. Clair Avenue and East 140th Street in Cleveland in three stolen vehicles – a 2020 Hyundai Tucson, a 2020 Kia Sportage, and a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Several of these juveniles, some of whom were armed with firearms, began viciously beating a 34-year-old male who was seated up against the wall at a gas station. The victim was ultimately able to retreat inside the gas station. The juveniles continued to loiter in the gas station parking lot.

Approximately two and a half minutes later, several of the juveniles began discharging their firearms at a target to the east of the gas station. The juveniles proceeded to get back into the three stolen vehicles and fled the scene at a high rate of speed.

Later, around 2:12 a.m., the Cleveland Division of Police (CPD) responded to a report of a disturbance at a nearby residence on Delavan Avenue. When officers arrived at the residence, they found two of three stolen vehicles parked out front of the residence. CPD officers detained 13 juveniles and recovered two firearms from inside the residence.

The investigation remains ongoing.

12 juveniles have been charged with a combination of the following charges:

  • Felonious Assault
  • Aggravated Riot
  • Discharge Of Firearm On Or Near Prohibited Premises
  • Improperly Handling Firearms In A Motor Vehicle
  • Having Weapons Under Disability
  • Receiving Stolen Property
  • Criminal Damaging Or Endangering

Two individuals involved in this incident remain unidentified.

Unidentified individual #1:

Unidentified individual #2:

If you have any information about this matter, please contact the CPD 5th District at 216.623.5500 or Crimestoppers at 216. 252.CRIME or scan the QR code below and leave an anonymous tip.

Visit the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Facebook page to see Prosecutor O’Malley’s entire message from today’s press conference.