The community of East Cleveland is currently under a veil of concern and heightened law enforcement presence following the shooting of two local police officers. Late last night, around 11 p.m., East Cleveland officers responded to a domestic dispute at a home on the 1900 block of North Taylor Rd when one officer was shot outside the residence. Cleveland19 News reports that subsequently, East Cleveland Mayor Lateek Shabazz confirmed two individuals inside that home were also fatally shot, though the identities have been withheld at this juncture.
As the search for the gunman continues, several roads remain closed to facilitate the investigation and secure the safety of the community. Told by Mayor Shabazz to WKYC, the people are advised to avoid Euclid Avenue between North Taylor Road and Coit Avenue, Coit Avenue between North Taylor Road and Woodworth Avenue, and Woodworth Avenue between East 152nd Street and Hayden Avenue. Nearly two hours after the first incident, a second officer sustained a gunshot wound close to an abandoned townhome on Euclid Avenue; details of this event are forthcoming.
While the condition of the first officer, shot in the calf, appeared to be stable with expectations of a full recovery as conveyed to Cleveland.com, specifics on the other officer's injury and prognosis were vague, offering no more than assurances of an expected recovery. Both officers were transported to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center for treatment and are reportedly in stable condition.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the East Cleveland Fire Department, Euclid Police Department, and Cleveland Division of Police, are assisting with the ongoing manhunt. Swarming over the area to track down the suspect, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and SWAT teams have also been deployed. Mayor Shabazz, addressing the severity of the incident, has announced that hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on Friday at East Cleveland City Hall to share further updates, as per information obtained by Cleveland.com.
