A man sought on a lengthy string of charges has been netted by law enforcement in Cleveland, Ohio. Gianni Gray Jr., 26, was the subject of a 26-count indictment and apprehended by the combined efforts of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s (OSHP) Aviation Unit and Special Response Team, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshals.
Gray Jr., who had been evading arrest for over a year on charges including trafficking, drug possession, and receiving stolen property, was finally located in the parking lot of a business on Miles Ave in Cleveland. Officials moved quickly to decidedly attempt to subdue him following a brief on-foot pursuit. At the time of the arrest, authorities recovered a handgun and an assortment of drugs from Gray Jr. His codefendant, Jamal Taylor, had previously been captured by NOVFTF on April 18 after a pursuit of a similar nature on Cleveland’s west side.
In a statement via U.S. Marshals highlighting the arrest’s impact, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott detailed, "This suspect is a menace to our communities with the laundry list of charges against him. His violent felonies, possession of drugs and a gun at his arrest today show he has no intention of stopping his criminal activity. Cleveland and the surrounding communities are safer with this suspect behind bars." This reflects law enforcement's assertion that the arrest has neutralized a significant threat to the community.
With the suspect now in custody, the task force continues to maliciously delve into the case to determine if any additional charges should be brought forward. The U.S. Marshals encourage the public to come forward with any pertinent information concerning wanted fugitives. Individuals can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force by calling 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or by submitting a web tip, with the promise of a reward and anonymity for tipsters.
The NOVFTF is comprised of a partnership among multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the Cleveland Police Department, and various other federal, state, and local entities. This wide-ranging collaboration underscores a commitment to holding those who break the law accountable and to sustaining peace within the community.
