Police Focus Search for Keshaun Williams in Industrial Area Near Cuyahoga River
Federal, state, and local authorities conducted a search on Tuesday in an industrial area along the Cuyahoga River for vehicles linked to missing teenager Keshaun Williams, retrieving two SUVs from the water.
The search concentrated on the riverbank near Jefferson Avenue and West Third Street. According to a law enforcement source and John Majoy, President of Cleveland Missing, the operation was related to Williams’ case.
Divers were lowered into the river using a tow truck, as reported by a News 5 journalist at the scene. Among the vehicles recovered was a black Jeep, although it remains unclear what was inside, as the top was covered with netting. A second vehicle was pulled from the river shortly after.
Cleveland police characterized the search as a “training exercise” aimed at vehicle recovery, emphasizing that it is too early to determine if the vehicles are connected to Williams’ disappearance. The recovered vehicles will be towed to a police impound lot for identification and potential evidence collection.
The search involved collaboration from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the SERT Dive Team, the Westshore Dive Team, and Rich’s Towing. Authorities also announced that vessel traffic on the river would be restricted from the St. Mary’s Cement Cleveland Terminal to the south side of the Universal Oil Property.
Keshaun Williams has been missing since June 17, 2023. He was last seen attending a house party on Gertrude Avenue. An Amber Alert remains active in his case.
Williams’ grandmother, Mary Williams, expressed her heartbreak during a recent news conference, saying, “Keshaun has been gone. It’s been very painful. I miss that big, wet kiss he gives me every time I drop him off at home. I miss him.” She implored anyone with information about her grandson to come forward, stating, “There are people out here who know what happened to Keshaun.”
In recent weeks, the police and the U.S. Marshals Service received a tip that has prompted a renewed focus on a vague vehicle description. Deputy U.S. Marshal Vincent Piccoli stated that they believe Keshaun was last seen leaving the party and getting into a dark-colored SUV with a group of juvenile males. This description differs from the initial connection to the black Jeep, which has since been reevaluated.
Piccoli indicated that authorities believe Williams is still in the Cleveland area and are hopeful that the public can provide additional details regarding the dark-colored SUV to help bring him home safely.
The reward for information leading to Williams’ whereabouts has increased to $27,500, thanks to contributions from Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County, the U.S. Marshals Service, and anonymous donors.
Anyone with tips can contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-4-WANTED or Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County at 216-252-7463. Tips can also be submitted online or via the Crime Stoppers mobile app.
