Suspect in Vicious Random Assaults Released from Custody
A man accused of viciously attacking several individuals across Northeast Ohio has been released from jail, sparking concern among his alleged victims, who are now seeking justice.
Serus Walters, 20, spent the last six months in jail, facing charges for three separate attacks in Cleveland. 19 Investigates first reported on the case in April. Last week, the charges were dropped, leading to Walters’ release. However, Walters has a history of allegedly assaulting people soon after being released from custody.
One of Walters’ alleged victims, who wished to remain anonymous and is referred to as “Tony,” expressed fear over the release. “That makes me scared because – at the end of the day – I don’t know if he’s going to attack me again,” Tony said.
Police report that Tony was the first of three victims Walters allegedly attacked within a three-week span. The incident occurred in March at Tower City’s food court, where security footage reportedly shows Walters approaching Tony from behind and striking him in the face. “I had like a ring around my eye where my glasses came out. I had lumps on the back of my head,” Tony explained.
Walters was arrested but released the following day. Police say he then assaulted another person near Whiskey Island. Two weeks later, an attorney, David Dudley, was attacked outside the Hilton Hotel in downtown Cleveland. Dudley sustained severe bruising, a fractured shoulder, and contusions to his eye during the assault.
After seeing the footage aired by 19 Investigates, Tony recognized Walters and alerted the police. “I told the detective I’m one thousand percent sure that this person is the one you’re looking for,” Tony said.
Although Walters was reindicted on all three assault charges, he is not currently in custody, with a warrant for his arrest pending. According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the case was initially dismissed because one of the victims was unavailable to attend trial. Walters’ arraignment is scheduled for November 4th.
