UPDATE: Cleveland police have arrested 47-year-old Ronald Loftis following a violent carjacking on January 2, 2023 that left a woman shot in the face while a child was present. The arrest took place on Saturday after swift action from law enforcement, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The shocking incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Madison Avenue, when Loftis approached the victim at gunpoint, demanding money. In a terrifying turn of events, he fired a shot, striking the woman in the face before forcibly taking her vehicle. Authorities confirmed that the child present during the attack was unharmed.
Cleveland police, supported by the Crime Gun Intelligence Center, quickly identified Loftis as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Officers located him at a residence on Cleveland’s east side, taking him into custody without incident. He is now being held at the Cuyahoga County Jail, facing serious charges including attempted murder and aggravated robbery. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The victim is currently in stable condition, and Chief Dorothy Todd condemned the crime as “senseless and violent.” She praised her team for their decisive action, stating, “Because of the decisive and relentless work of our officers and detectives, this dangerous individual is now off our streets.”
This incident underscores the ongoing issues of violent crime in urban areas and raises critical questions about public safety. As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this alarming event.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and more information comes to light.
