On October 12, 2025, the Cleveland Division of Police responded to reports of widespread vehicle break-ins at the Hilton Garden Inn on Carnegie Avenue. Officers discovered at least 24 vehicles had been broken into at that location. Further incidents were reported across the city, including areas near East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue and as far east as East 120th Street and Mayfield Road.
Detectives from the Third District, working with the Second District and using information from previous cases, identified a larger pattern of vehicle thefts and break-ins. By early afternoon, police determined that at least two stolen vehicles were being used to commit these crimes. FLOCK license plate reader cameras helped track the movement of the stolen vehicles.
During the spree, one stolen vehicle was traced to Columbus Road, where suspects stole a third vehicle. The suspects later abandoned one vehicle and entered a fourth stolen car. Police said these actions put community members, officers, and the suspects themselves at risk.
Support from multiple units, including the Cleveland Police Aviation Unit, all five police districts, K-9 Units, and the Narcotics Unit, enabled officers to locate and arrest ten suspects at a vacant apartment building on Loop Avenue in the Second District.
Those arrested include juveniles aged 12 to 17 from Cleveland, Richmond Heights, and Maple Heights, as well as an 18-year-old woman from Akron. Potential charges are Breaking and Entering, Receiving Stolen Property, Tampering with Evidence, Obstructing Justice (Felony of the 5th Degree), Grand Theft of Motor Vehicles, and Having Weapons While Under Disability. All individuals were found trespassing in an unoccupied structure with intent to commit a felony. Three firearms were recovered from inside the apartment.
Six juveniles are currently in Juvenile Detention awaiting formal charges. The adult female is being held at County Jail. The final number of vehicles involved remains undetermined as more victims may come forward.
Chief Todd stated: “It is both deeply troubling and unacceptable to see teenagers engaging in such audacious and disruptive criminal behavior. The scale of the damage inflicted is significant, and our investigation is ongoing. What the public can take confidence in is this: arrests have been made, and those responsible will face the full weight of the justice system. I want to commend the outstanding work of our detectives and officers. When faced with crimes of this magnitude, it is the men and women of the Cleveland Division of Police who step up—swiftly, decisively, and with unwavering professionalism. We also recognize and appreciate the seamless coordination between all units involved, whose diligence and precision led to a swift and safe resolution. The investigation remains active, and we will continue to pursue every lead to ensure full accountability.”
