8 Felony Arrests, 6 Illegal Firearms Recovered During Violent Crime Reduction Initiative in Cleveland

(CLEVELAND, Ohio)- As part of a special violent crime reduction initiative in Cleveland on October 9, 2025, partners made eight felony arrests, including the arrest of a 17-year-old man wanted in connection to a mass shooting in the Cleveland Flats on September 7. The arrest was made in partnership between the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Cleveland Division of Police

This multi-agency operation was part of a sustained violent crime reduction initiative in Cleveland launched by Governor Mike DeWine and Mayor Justin Bibb in 2023.

Shortly after 5:10 p.m., an Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) trooper conducted a traffic stop in downtown Cleveland after observing a gray Jeep Cherokee commit a traffic violation. The trooper turned on their emergency overhead lights, but the driver failed to stop and fled from the trooper.

Aviation Video Still: Law enforcement officer stands to right of frame with suspect running in middle of road.

The OSHP Aviation Unit followed the fleeing vehicle, and the trooper terminated the pursuit. At approximately 5:24 p.m., the suspect's vehicle stopped in the 2100 block of West 52nd Street, and four individuals exited the Jeep and ran.

The driver, Xavier Baldwin, 21, Cleveland, was immediately arrested without incident. A 17-year-old suspect who was wanted on a felony warrant in connection to the September 7 mass shooting was arrested a short time later. While at the scene, law enforcement determined the Jeep was stolen and located three illegal firearms, including one in a garbage can near where the Cleveland teenager was located.

Body Camera Stills: (L) Suspect surrenders behind garbage can; (R) Illegal firearm found in garbage can

These joint law enforcement operations, which occur on select dates, involve state, local, and federal law enforcement teams strategically focused on high-crime areas where repeat violent offenders continuously commit crime.

"This initiative brings together trained law enforcement officials from across the state to protect the public by removing violent criminals and illegal firearms from our streets," said Governor DeWine. "Yesterday's successful operation demonstrates the strength of our long-term, ongoing partnerships and our focus on holding violent offenders responsible for their actions."

Overall, partners made a total of eight felony arrests, four drug seizures, six illegal firearm recoveries, and one stolen vehicle recovery.

"These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent a significant number of violent encounters that were prevented," said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb. "Consider this a clear message to all those who threaten the safety of our city that you will be held accountable."

Video: Cruiser Cam, Aviation, Body Cam

The agencies involved in yesterday's initiative include the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Investigative Unit, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and United States Department of Justice