As reported by Alec Sapolin and Brian Koster with Cleveland 19 News, a Bedford police officer shot a man in Maple Heights following a chase involving a stolen car on Thursday afternoon. According to Maple Heights Police Chief Todd Hansen, the incident began around 3 p.m. when Bedford officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle on Broadway Avenue in Bedford. The driver fled, leading police on a pursuit into Maple Heights.
The chase ended near Broadway Avenue and Clement Avenue after a Bedford officer executed a PIT maneuver, forcing the fleeing car to stop. As the suspect exited the vehicle with a handgun, the Bedford officer fired their service weapon, subduing the individual.
A second passenger in the stolen car attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended by Maple Heights officers after a short chase.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, received medical treatment at the scene from both the officers and the Maple Heights Fire Department before being transported to a nearby hospital. His current condition remains unknown.
Investigations into the incident are being conducted by both the Bedford and Maple Heights police departments, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) taking the lead on the shooting investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Maple Heights Detective Bureau at 216-587-9624 or via email at Detectives@mhpd-ohio.com.
Update 8/12/2024: According to a press release issued by the Bedford Police Department, the suspect was driving aggressively and struck at least one other vehicle during the chase.
