A coordinated violent-crime reduction push in Cleveland on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, led to 16 felony arrests, the seizure of 11 unlawfully possessed firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles, officials announced. The high-visibility operation is part of a sustained strategy launched in 2023 by Governor Mike DeWine and Mayor Justin M. Bibb to target repeat violent offenders using data-driven deployments.
Key Results (Oct. 15, 2025)
- 16 felony arrests
- 11 illegal firearms seized
- 3 stolen vehicles recovered
- 4 drug seizures
- 4 outstanding felony warrants served
Suspect Arrested on Six Felony Charges
Around 3:56 p.m., Cleveland Division of Police and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers attempted a traffic stop in the Corlett neighborhood after linking a red Honda Civic to J’Shon Foster, 20, wanted on six felony counts: possession of dangerous ordnance, having weapons while under disability, tampering with evidence, obstructing official business, resisting arrest, and falsification.
When emergency lights were activated, the driver fled. OSHP’s Aviation Unit monitored from the air while ground units terminated the pursuit. The vehicle crashed at East 112th Street and Revere Avenue, and the suspect fled on foot. Shortly after 4:00 p.m., officers located Foster and took him into custody without incident. An illegally possessed firearm with an extended magazine was recovered from the vehicle. Additional charges are pending.
Ohio Investigative Unit: Five Guns, Five Felony Arrests
Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU)—which enforces Ohio’s alcohol laws—made five felony arrests and seized five unlawfully possessed firearms. In one case in the Kinsman neighborhood, agents confronted an armed trespasser at a liquor store. After the suspect grabbed his firearm and attempted to flee, agents deployed a taser, ending the incident without further injury.
14-Year-Old Arrested After Stolen Kia Crash
Before 5:00 p.m., an OSHP trooper attempted to stop a black Kia Forte reported stolen near East 153rd Street by Glendale Park. The ground pursuit was terminated; aviation tracked the vehicle until it crashed on Dove Avenue. The driver, a 14-year-old, fled on foot but was taken into custody. The vehicle was confirmed stolen.
Official Statements
- Gov. Mike DeWine: 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.”
- Mayor Justin M. Bibb: “These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent a significant number of violent encounters that were prevented. Consider this a clear message to all those who threaten the safety of our city that you will be held accountable.”
Participating Agencies
Cleveland Division of Police; Ohio State Highway Patrol (including Aviation); Ohio Investigative Unit; Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction; Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center; Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; ATF; FBI; DEA; and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Context
Under the direction of Governor DeWine, similar data-driven operations have been conducted in Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown, and Dayton, concentrating resources on select dates in high-crime areas to disrupt patterns of armed violence.
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SEO Title: Cleveland Crime Initiative Nets 16 Felony Arrests, 11 Firearms Seized in One-Day Operation
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