The search for a man wanted on multiple charges involving a double homicide came to an end with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals. Aric Ward, 34, the suspect in question, was arrested by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), as the U.S. Marshals Service reported.
Sought by the Cleveland Division of Police for two counts of aggravated murder, the arrest was the culmination of a search that began after a ShotSpotter alert brought officers to E. 109th Street and Prince Avenue on June 1. After receiving an alert from ShotSpotter, officers that responded located two men who were deceased inside a vehicle. They were later identified as Bralon Shepard, 26, and Sylvon Robinson, 27.
After the incident, Ward was pinpointed as a key suspect, prompting law enforcement to issue a warrant for his capture. Successfully located, Ward was arrested at a residence on Woodline Road in Bedford, Ohio. The task force is a collective formed by various agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and Cleveland Division of Police, among others. This collaboration brings together federal, state, and local agencies focused on apprehending those accused of committing violent crimes.
"The Cleveland Division of Police continues to work hard for its citizens, solving another homicide investigation. We are happy to work hand and hand with the dedicated officers of Cleveland Police to arrest violent fugitives and keep the city a safe place to live," U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated via the U.S. Marshals Service website concerning the arrest. While the task force has seen success in this operation, they continue encouraging the public to provide information on any wanted fugitives.
The U.S. Marshals have made it clear that there are incentives for those who provide helpful information leading to arrests, with reward money available. They also stress the possibility of anonymity for tipsters. To further this goal, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force can be contacted at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or web tips can be submitted. Updates and further communications from the U.S. Marshals can be followed on their Twitter handle @USMSCleveland.
