A regional manhunt is underway in Cleveland Heights after authorities publicly named a suspect in a rape investigation. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and Cleveland Heights police say 28-year-old Lanard Dowdell is wanted on alleged parole violations tied to the case, and they are warning residents not to approach him, urging anyone who spots him to contact law enforcement instead.
What authorities say
In a press release shared with local media, the task force said Dowdell is wanted by the Cleveland Heights Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. As reported by FOX 8, Dowdell, 28, has been linked to an earlier rape charge and is believed to frequent the Cleveland area. The task force also notes that reward money is available for tips that lead to his arrest.
How the search is being coordinated
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, is coordinating the manhunt and is asking the public to call the NOVFTF tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or submit an online tip. The U.S. Marshals say tipsters may remain anonymous and that rewards may be offered for information that helps locate the suspect, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
What officials released
Authorities circulated a photograph of Dowdell alongside the task force notice, and local outlets published the image as part of the alert. FOX 8 reports that the image and the task force advisories were distributed early Monday as investigators renewed public appeals for tips.
Task force background
The NOVFTF frequently partners with local police departments and has recently focused on noncompliant sex offenders and violent fugitives, resulting in numerous arrests across the region. U.S. Marshals releases describe the task force as a multiagency effort that leans heavily on public tip lines and reward offers to track down suspects.
Legal note
Dowdell is described in the release as wanted on parole violations. Under Ohio law, parole violations can trigger revocation proceedings and a return to custody pending a hearing, per the Ohio Administrative Code. Parole revocation is an administrative process that can result in a parolee being recommitted to prison if revocation is ordered.
Anyone with information about Dowdell's whereabouts is asked to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or reach out to the Cleveland Heights police. Authorities emphasize that he should not be approached and that 911 should be called immediately if he appears to pose an imminent danger.
