A person, whose identity remains unknown, reportedly discharged a firearm while running away from law enforcement. Consequently, Thoreau Park Elementary School had to implement safety measures and initiate a lockdown while the search was conducted.
PARMA, Ohio — Law enforcement authorities in Parma have reported that an individual who evaded capture and discharged a weapon while being chased on foot, leading to a local school being locked down, was apprehended on Friday afternoon.
As indicated in a statement, the event unfolded at 3:25 p.m. near the intersection of Brookpark Road and Chevrolet Blvd. when officers endeavored to stop a Chevrolet Equinox due to a faulty piece of equipment.
“After brief contact with the male driver, and sole occupant, the male fled the traffic stop at a high rate of speed eastbound on Brookpark Rd. Assisting officers successfully deployed stop-strips, flattening a rear tire. Despite the damage, the male continued to flee until the vehicle came to a stop in the area of Brookpark Rd. and W. 54th St.,” police noted in the release.
Police say once the vehicle came to a stop, the suspect fled on foot southbound through backyards while holding a gun in his right hand. During a foot pursuit, “the suspect discharged one round from the firearm but did not strike anyone.”
Meanwhile, “out of an abundance of caution,” the nearby Thoreau Park Elementary School was put on lockdown, while a perimeter was maintained with the assistance of neighboring police departments.
At 4:32, the department posted a message on Facebook asking those residents in the area of West 54th and Luelda Ave. to remain indoors due to a male suspect described as “armed and considered dangerous.”
Police ultimately took the suspect, described as a 27-year-old Cleveland man, into custody without incident at approximately 4:54 p.m. in the 5600 block of Bradley Avenue. His identity has not yet been released.
“This case is currently under investigation, and appropriate charges will be determined,” police added in the release.
