CLEVELAND — Following a recent surge of violent crimes in the city, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine visited Cleveland on Wednesday to announce an initiative to fight violent crime in the city.
According to DeWine, state resources have already been deployed to enact a "surge initiative." The initiative — which began on Tuesday — combines the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to target "known criminal hot spots." DeWine noted that similar surge initiatives took place in Cleveland in April and August of 2023.
After beginning on Tuesday, DeWine said the surge initiative continued in the 4th district, with other areas in the city being targeted on unannounced days moving forward. "Surge days" will see an increase in law enforcement in the targeted hot spots, with support both on the street and via helicopters, as well as evidence processing with suspect interviews as needed, among other measures.
DeWine noted that law enforcement made 57 traffic stops, 20 felony arrests, confiscated four illegally possessed firearms, located four stolen vehicles, seized heroin, cocaine, crack-cocaine and other drugs during Wednesday's operation in the 4th District. Helicopters were also used to apprehend fleeing suspects.
"Quite literally, they can run, but they cannot hide," DeWine said.
DeWine's announcement came following a meeting with local officials, including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cleveland Chief of Police Wayne Drummond. Bibb and Drummond also both spoke at the press conference, which occurred at the Cleveland Division of Police's 4th District on Kinsman Avenue.
"We are here to help," DeWine said, stressing that he wasn't in Cleveland to tell Bibb or Drummond what to do, but rather to help them. "I think that is the proper role of the state of Ohio."
Wednesday's visit from DeWine comes as Cleveland has dealt with increases in homicides and car thefts in 2023, as compared to the previous year. The surge in violent crime was highlighted by a mass shooting that injured nine people in the Warehouse District last month.
Last month, 3News reported that Cleveland City Councilman Michael Polensek — who also serves as the council's Public Safety Committee chair — sent an email to DeWine, telling him, "I am increasingly of the belief that the City administration does not have a plan to deal with the growing violence." The email went on to say, "We need help if we are going to take back the streets and restore peace and order in Cleveland."
As of last month, data showed homicides in the city were up 30% compared to last year. Fueled by the nationwide problem of Kia and Hyundai break-ins, Cleveland has seen a staggering 98% increase in the number of car thefts.
To remedy the violent crime, the city and the Cleveland Division of Police have called on a number of other agencies to assist.
Since May, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) has been working alongside officers from the Cleveland Division of Police's Traffic Unit in an effort to enforce traffic safety and reduce crashes in the city. That partnership is set to continue through the end of this month.
Also, Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel told 3News he has put together a "downtown safety patrol" plan to assist Cleveland police and OSHP troopers. Pretel's team is working Wednesday through Saturday, when downtown Cleveland is heaviest with visitors. Eight deputies and a sergeant with canines are patroling Playhouse Square, Public Square, the Flats and additional areas.
Earlier this month, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott announced that his office will be teaming up with the city for "Operation 216," which will provide additional resources and manpower from members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force focusing on targeted hot spots in the city of Cleveland. In addition, Operation 216 also includes an additional cold case investigator assigned to work on unsolved homicide cases ranging from two to three years old.
“The support announced by the State today is a key component of our RISE Initiative we launched last month, and joins our other recent partnerships with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Marshals Service to help combat crime in our city," said Bibb following the DeWine announcement. "We are stronger when we are united – thank you to Governor DeWine, these state agencies, as well as our local and federal partners who join us in doing everything we can to keep Clevelanders safe.”
Next Wednesday, Bibb is scheduled to host a "Public Safety Summit" to address the ongoing problem of hiring and keeping police officers in the city. Bibb will be joined by Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Det. Jeff Follmer and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8 President Capt. Jim O'Malley.
Previous Reporting:
- Cleveland dealing with a dramatic jump in car thefts in 2023
- US Marshals Service to provide resources, manpower to support Cleveland Division of Police amid violent crime
- Frustration on display during Cleveland Safety Committee meeting focused on violence and police
- Cleveland sees another violent weekend as city leaders ask Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for help