Buckeye Reporter

On August 13, 2025, officers from the Cleveland Division of Police Second District responded to a Code 1 call for “unknown trouble” at approximately 1:05 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a male victim with a gunshot wound to the head. Officers provided immediate aid until Cleveland EMS arrived and continued life-saving efforts. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

While officers assisted the victim, other responding units learned that the suspect had fled on foot. Officers searching the area encountered a man matching the suspect’s description who was armed with a firearm. Police ordered him to surrender, and during this encounter, an officer discharged his service weapon and struck the suspect. The individual was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment.

The following day, August 14, 2025, the suspect was released from medical care and taken to county jail. On August 15, Sterling Pettway, age 49, was formally charged with Murder and Felonious Assault on a Police Officer.

The officer involved in firing his weapon was not injured in the incident. In accordance with standard procedures, he has been placed on paid leave. Wearable camera footage from the incident has been made available on the city of Cleveland’s website under Public Records/Trending Topics.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the homicide victim as Deonte Alexander, age 33.

According to police officials: "The Cleveland Police Force Investigation Team will continue to investigate this incident. There is no further information available for release at this time."