The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office on Monday posted photos of two people wanted on violent and trafficking-related charges, asking residents to call in tips. The post identifies 39-year-old Xavier Smith on attempted murder and related counts and 37-year-old Alexis Keene on multiple trafficking and weapons-related charges. Authorities say tips can be submitted anonymously and may qualify for a cash reward.
Who Authorities Are Searching For
Xavier Smith, 39, is wanted on charges including attempted murder, felonious assault, three counts of strangulation, domestic violence and kidnapping, according to WOIO/Cleveland 19. WOIO reports the alleged July attack left the victim hospitalized after Smith allegedly pinned, punched and choked the person and, during the struggle, bit the victim's eye. He is described as about 5'7" and 180 pounds and was last known to be staying in the 14500 block of Shaw Avenue in East Cleveland.
Alexis Keene, 37, appears on the Crime Stoppers wanted list on counts that include trafficking offenses, drug possession, attempted prostitution, possessing criminal tools, having weapons while under disability, receiving stolen property and illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon, per Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County. The listing includes a recent photograph and notes Keene is about 5'3" and roughly 150 pounds.
How To Report Tips
The sheriff's post asks anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (216) 252-7463 or to submit an anonymous tip through the organization's website, noting tipsters may be eligible for up to a $5,000 reward, as posted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office. Officials emphasize that members of the public should not attempt to apprehend these individuals and should call 911 if they see them. Tips are kept confidential and the sheriff's office and Crime Stoppers say anonymity is maintained for callers.
Why Officials Are Releasing Photos
The sheriff's "Most Wanted" posts are part of an ongoing effort to harness community tips and have helped generate leads in many cases, according to the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office. Cuyahoga County's Sheriff's Office notes that Crime Stoppers tips have repeatedly aided investigations and that the program offers a structured process for anonymous reporting. By sharing photos and basic descriptions on social platforms, the office aims to expand reach and prompt timely information from residents.
Being listed does not equal a conviction; these are allegations and anyone named remains innocent until proven guilty in court. If you have information, pass it to law enforcement rather than confronting the people in the photos.
