Off-Duty Officer Assaulted Amid Cleveland Street Takeover Chaos
The FOX 8 I-Team has revealed alarming incidents of violence during street takeovers in Cleveland last weekend, including an assault on an off-duty police officer. The chaos unfolded as large crowds took over city streets for hours, despite police receiving prior warnings about the gatherings.
Off-Duty Officer Attacked
The violence escalated with the beating of an off-duty Parma officer. Reports indicate that the officer parked his car on West 25th Street and asked the crowd to disperse so he could head home. Instead, he was assaulted by five men, with multiple sources reporting that the attackers pistol-whipped him. Following the attack, the men reportedly told the officer to leave, to which he reminded them that he was indeed trying to do just that—only to be struck again.
Chaos in the Streets
The street takeovers involved dozens of vehicles gathering as drivers performed stunts in the middle of the roadway, affecting areas on both the east and west sides of the city, as well as the Innerbelt Bridge. Police video captured a Cleveland ambulance, lights flashing and sirens blaring, blocked at an intersection due to the cars obstructing the streets.
Reports of Gun Violence
Many 911 callers reported alarming incidents, including individuals in the crowds brandishing guns and firing shots. One caller recounted a terrifying moment when a gun was pointed at his face. Additionally, previous reports highlighted a party bus driver and passengers who were harassed by masked individuals waving firearms.
Response from Officials
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb praised the police for their efforts during the chaotic events. However, police radio recordings indicated a shortage of officers available to handle the situation. An email obtained by the I-Team revealed that police had received warnings about the potential street takeovers hours before they occurred.
The violent crowds also targeted officers, hitting two with BB or pellet guns and vandalizing a police car. In one instance, a large group swarmed an officer who was sitting in his vehicle, jumping on the car.
Calls for Improvement
While many 911 callers received recordings instead of timely responses, Mayor Bibb acknowledged the need for improvement. “We can always do better. We can always do better,” he stated. The city council president, Blaine Griffin, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to restore public confidence and address the issues head-on.
Task Force and Future Plans
In response to the increasing frequency of these street takeovers, the city has initiated a task force aimed at developing strategies to curb the problem. However, street takeovers have been a recurring issue since spring, prompting some 911 callers to demand immediate action.
As of late Tuesday, police had not released any images or video footage of suspects or their vehicles, nor had they provided updates regarding any arrests or citations issued during the chaotic weekend. The Cleveland City Council Public Safety Committee is set to hold a hearing on Wednesday morning to discuss the weekend’s events further.
