Less than a day after a series of car break-ins were reported, the Cleveland Division of Police’s new STANCE initiative led to the arrest of three juveniles. According to police, officers and detectives from the STANCE team quickly focused on the affected areas, reviewing evidence and using data-driven policing strategies to identify suspects.
On November 12, 2025, investigators with STANCE received information about two stolen vehicles linked to the early-morning incidents. The vehicles were found at a gas station near East 105th Street and Somerset Avenue. The operation involved several units including the Cleveland Police Gang Impact Unit, Crime Gun Intelligence Center, and Aviation Unit. Officers tracked the vehicles as they moved through different neighborhoods.
The situation escalated near Scoville Avenue and Bundy Drive when one suspect was seen carrying a firearm before returning to a vehicle. Both vehicles attempted to evade police by splitting up. While one vehicle got away, officers continued tracking the other with help from the Aviation Unit.
Three suspects left the tracked vehicle near East 86th Street and Capital Avenue and tried to run away but were quickly caught. One juvenile had a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine; another was found hiding under a car with a .40-caliber handgun. Officers also recovered a backpack containing items such as a jump starter, marijuana, various live rounds of ammunition—including those for handguns and AR-15-style rifles.
Mayor Justin Bibb commented on the outcome: “Our new STANCE initiative is producing positive results, but this is just the beginning. We’re going to continue tracking down and arresting the criminals who are terrorizing our community. This ensures that the City — through the Cleveland Division of Police — is doing everything we can to hold these criminals accountable, and we hope that same level of accountability is upheld as they make their way through the justice system. Our residents deserve it.”
All three juveniles were processed at Juvenile Detention on charges such as Receiving Stolen Property (Felony), Improper Handling of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle (Felony), and Obstructing Official Business (Misdemeanor). Official charges are still pending.
Chief Dorothy Todd said: “Though this is just the initial enforcement effort, I am grateful for the collaborative and rapid work of our officers in identifying and arresting these individuals,” adding recognition for support staff including dispatchers, pilots, research specialists, crime analysts, and personnel at the Real Time Crime Center. She continued: “Given how armed these juveniles were, the situation could have ended very differently. My hope is that this sends a clear message: we will continue to hold accountable those who cause harm in our community, and we urge anyone considering similar actions to rethink their intentions.”
The STANCE initiative aims at both enforcement and prevention while building on current policing strategies. Patrol officers will keep up proactive measures like special attentions in targeted areas, park-and-walk assignments for increased visibility, and patrolling with rear lights activated to engage more closely with residents.
In recent weeks—between October 31 and November 9—STANCE-related enforcement led to six felony arrests (including four adults and two juveniles) along with three curfew citations issued.
Police encourage residents to stay alert by reporting suspicious activity promptly and taking precautions such as locking cars, removing valuables from sight, and parking in well-lit locations.
STANCE is part of broader efforts by Cleveland police to improve community safety by reducing property crimes and strengthening partnerships between law enforcement officers and local communities.
