CLEVELAND — Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County have announced they are offering a $10,000 reward for information regarding a violent fugitive in Northeast Ohio.
Lorenzo Watson, 56, is wanted in connection with a homicide and numerous felonious assaults in Northeast Ohio. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.
"This man is armed and wanted in connection with a homicide and numerous felonious assaults. Due to the violent and reckless nature of these crimes, and the suspect's relentless intention to do harm, the apprehension of the individual in paramount," said Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office officials.
Watson's first alleged crime happened on June11, when police say he shot a man in the back with a sawed off shotgun. It happened on Superior Avenue in East Cleveland. The next day, East Cleveland police say he struck again, shooting a man in the stomach on Delmont Avenue. The victim identified Watson in a prior mugshot and gave a statement to police.
"This man shot me in the stomach with a 12-gauge shotgun and left me to die," said Sgt. Reginald Holcomb, of East Cleveland police, on what the victim said.
On June 20th, Watson allegedly attacked a man with a sledgehammer on Glenmont Avenue in Cleveland Heights. The three victims described above survived. However a fourth, did not.
East Cleveland police say Watson and two accomplices went to an apartment on Terrace Road on July 6. After they knocked on the door, Watson shot and killed the man who opened it, police say.
"He is also a person of interest in several other violent crimes across the city. He is a menace. And we need to get him into custody as soon as possible," said Detective Joseph Marche with East Cleveland police.
One of Watson's alleged accomplices, Ericka Goodwin, is in Cuyahoga County Jail on an aggravated murder charge. Information on the second, a man, was not immediately released.
Crime Stoppers, the U.S. Marshal Service, Cleveland Heights Police Department, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and the East Cleveland Police Department were all in attendance at the press conference on Thursday. To see it, watch in the player below.
The U.S. Marshals noted that individuals who see Watson are asked not approach him, but to call information into a tip line at 1-866-4-WANTED. Tips can also be given to Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463 or www.25crime.com.
Want to be among the first to know the most important local and national news? Download the free WKYC app and get updates right on your phone: Android, Apple.
More on WKYC...
