What should have been a routine stop at a neighborhood discount store turned into a robbery investigation on Cleveland’s West Side, and now detectives are asking the public to help put a name to a suspect caught on camera.
Cleveland police say a man walked into the Dollar Tree on Bellaire Road on Jan. 28, stashed multiple items in a bookbag, told store employees he had a gun, then took off with the merchandise. No weapon was shown, but the threat was enough to kick the case straight to detectives.
Detectives Release Images And Contact Info
In a post on the Cleveland Division of Police, the First District Detective Unit shared surveillance stills of the suspect and asked for the community’s help.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Leiser (Det. #1546) at (216) 623-2536 or the First District detective line at (216) 623-5118. Tipsters can also reach Crime Stoppers at (216) 252-7463. Police referenced report number 2026-00027912 and stressed that “First District Detective Unit is seeking assistance from our community partners with any information regarding the pictured suspect.”
Store History And Location
The robbery was reported at the Dollar Tree at 12709 Bellaire Road in Cleveland, a property listed to the retailer in public filings. A company filing available on the SEC website lists that address as a Dollar Tree location.
The same store was previously the focus of police attention after a 2022 armed robbery, according to reporting by WOIO/Cleveland 19. The repeat hits on the Bellaire Road shop highlight ongoing concerns about theft and robbery at neighborhood discount retailers.
How To Pass Along A Tip
If you recognize the man in the released images or have video from the area, detectives want to hear from you. Police ask that you call Detective Leiser at (216) 623-2536, the First District detective line at (216) 623-5118, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at (216) 252-7463, as outlined in the department’s post.
Officers caution the public not to approach the suspect. Instead, anyone with information should contact authorities and let investigators handle the follow-up.
The push for tips comes as Ohio officials spotlight broader efforts to clamp down on organized retail theft following passage of the FORCE Act, which lawmakers say gives law enforcement new tools to pursue serial offenders. For more on that legislation, see the Ohio House.
