Last Saturday in Cleveland Heights, what was supposed to be a routine drive turned into a nightmare for a young couple when a driver chased them through neighborhood streets and fired a shot that missed their car.
The 26-year-old man and his 22-year-old female passenger, who had recently moved to the area, told police they were pursued by a Dodge that eventually boxed them in after they pulled into a bank parking lot on Coventry Road. A round struck near their vehicle. No one was hurt, but the couple reported being badly shaken by the ordeal.
Police had first received a call about a shot fired at a car near Cedar Road and Cottage Grove Drive and then began reconstructing the chase using witness accounts and camera footage, according to Cleveland.com. The victims were driving a Honda when, they said, a Dodge cut them off, then made a right turn onto Lamberton Road before a shot was fired that missed their vehicle. They ultimately stopped in the Coventry Road bank lot to call police, the outlet reports.
Flock Camera Footage Helps Track Suspect Vehicle
Investigators reviewed Flock camera video, which police say showed the aggressor’s vehicle was a Dodge Challenger and captured it heading northbound on Superior Road. An officer later spotted the Dodge parked on Superior Road the following day, and authorities say they have now identified the car’s owner. Detectives are still working to determine who was actually behind the wheel during the chase.
Possible Charges For Driver’s Brother
Police told reporters the Dodge is registered to a 37-year-old man, but investigators believe his brother was the one driving during the incident. That brother now faces a possible felonious assault charge, according to Cleveland.com. Prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges, and police have declined to release the men’s names while the investigation continues. Officials are urging anyone with information to contact the Cleveland Heights Police Detective Bureau.
Neighborhood Safety And Recent Incidents
This road rage shooting is the latest in a recent cluster of gun incidents in and around Cleveland Heights. In a separate case on Feb. 27, shots were fired into a home and a vehicle, local television station Cleveland19 reported. Police officials say they are increasing patrols and are asking residents who may have dash-cam or doorbell footage related to any of these incidents to come forward to help investigators. The Cleveland Heights Police Records Division is accepting tips, and officials stress that anyone who witnesses violent behavior should call 911 immediately.
