Cleveland, OH

Keshaun Williams case: Cleveland Police say ‘investigation ongoing’ after 2 Jeeps pulled from Cuyahoga River

Published

3 weeks ago

October 30, 2024

Keshaun Williams case: Cleveland Police say ‘investigation ongoing’ after 2 Jeeps pulled from Cuyahoga River

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Two dark-colored Jeeps were pulled from the Cuyahoga River in Tremont Tuesday, in what was first described as a search for clues in the case of missing teenager Keshaun Williams.

Later Tuesday, Cleveland Police released a statement refuting the connection to the Keshaun Williams’ case, writing in part:

We have become aware of unauthorized statements linking the vehicle recoveries and training exercise to the missing person case of Keshaun Williams. At this time, we cannot confirm whether these vehicles are related to this specific case, which is why our investigation is ongoing. We were informed of the vehicles by another agency, and their recovery was part of the training exercise. Our officers were present out of an abundance of caution.

It’s important to note that while these vehicles could potentially be connected to Keshaun’s case, they could also relate to another crime or may not be linked to any violent crime at all. Speculating about a connection at this stage would be premature. The Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) is committed to investigating thoroughly before making any assertions, as it is crucial to provide information that can be definitively verified. This compassionate approach is intentional; we want to avoid giving false hope that could further traumatize the families and friends of missing persons or crime victims.

19 News crews were on the scene when the first vehicle was lifted out around 10:50 a.m. and the second around 12:15 p.m.

Jeep pulled from Cuyahoga River during search in connection with Keshaun Williams(WOIO)

Family members reported Williams missing on June 17, 2023 and investigators had previously said Williams was last seen inside a dark-colored SUV with three or four other juvenile males.

Missing 15 year old Endangered:
Keshaun Williams was reported to be missing since 6/17/23 from home in the 5700 block of Fleet Ave. He was reported as missing to law enforcement 6/20/23 He may be or may have been traveling in a black SUV w/persons unknown. Call 9-1-1 with info pic.twitter.com/fpE60obGIx
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) June 24, 2023

Several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, Cleveland police, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), were on the scene in the 200 block of Jefferson Avenue.

Searching one of the Jeeps pulled from Cuyahoga River(Bingel, Julia | (Source: WOIO))

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) said they were requested to assist with the investigation.

Divers with the SERT Dive Team and the Westshore Dive Team went in and out of the river for several hours.

Rich‘s Towing provided a large tow truck with a crane to pull the vehicles from the water.

Both vehicles will be taken to a police impound lot and processed for identification and possible evidence.

Full statement from Cleveland Division of Police:

On October 29, 2024, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Southwest Emergency Response Dive Team, the Westshore Dive Team, and Rich’s Towing, conducted a training exercise. This exercise was planned weeks in advance, requiring permits to temporarily halt vessel traffic on the Cuyahoga River and coordination among multiple agencies for the recovery of two vehicles. Our Division ensured that detectives were present for the exercise.
The vehicles were successfully recovered during the training and have been towed to our police impound lot for further investigation.
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We have become aware of unauthorized statements linking the vehicle recoveries and training exercise to the missing person case of Keshaun Williams. At this time, we cannot confirm whether these vehicles are related to this specific case, which is why our investigation is ongoing. We were informed of the vehicles by another agency, and their recovery was part of the training exercise. Our officers were present out of an abundance of caution.
It’s important to note that while these vehicles could potentially be connected to Keshaun’s case, they could also relate to another crime or may not be linked to any violent crime at all. Speculating about a connection at this stage would be premature. The Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) is committed to investigating thoroughly before making any assertions, as it is crucial to provide information that can be definitively verified. This compassionate approach is intentional; we want to avoid giving false hope that could further traumatize the families and friends of missing persons or crime victims.
We urge our partners—both law enforcement agencies and the media—to disseminate accurate information following this compassionate approach as well.
For verified information regarding these cases, please contact our Public Information Officer.
Both the investigation into the recovered vehicles and Keshaun’s case remain ongoing.
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On the night Williams went missing, the then 15-year-old boy went to a party on Gertrude Avenue in Slavic Village.

Search in connection with Keshaun Williams(Bingel, Julia | (Source: WOIO))

Since his disappearance, investigators said they have thoroughly searched that neighborhood.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: As of earlier this month, the reward money was increased to $27,500.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Keshaun Williams 1 year later: Complete timeline of search for missing teen

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Dark Side’ podcast on Keshaun Williams who vanished in 2023

Williams is 5 feet, 7 inches with black hair in braids and brown eyes. He was wearing black jogging pants and a t-shirt with red and gray Jordan sneakers.

This is Ohio’s longest running Amber Alert.

You can call Cleveland Police with any information at 216-623-5400 or contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4-WANTED.

You can also submit a tip online at USMarshals.gov.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for the $27,500 reward.

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Cleveland, OH

Your guide to holiday activities across Northeast Ohio

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Your guide to holiday activities across Northeast Ohio

Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays, which is why you’ll want to check out these fun activities happening across Northeast Ohio.

We break down all the different types of events happening in the area.

Tree lightings

Wade Oval

Wade Oval will be hosting Illuminate the Circle on Nov. 23 from 5-8 p.m.

The lights will be turned on daily from Nov. 24 until Jan. 26.

NELA Park

NELA Park Holiday Lighting Ceremony showcases GE Lighting ‘Holiday Delighter’

NELA Park Holiday Lighting Ceremony will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year.

The ceremony will take place on Dec. 6.

WinterLAND

Brian Sobolewski

Cleveland’s Holiday tree arrives at Public Square.

On Nov. 30, make sure you head down to Public Square to watch the lights turn on across Cleveland.

The annual tree-lighting will be part of a day of celebrations and family-friendly experiences across Cleveland.

For more information, click here.

Annual traditions

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

All aboard!

The holiday season is here, which means the North Pole Adventure on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has returned.

The event that runs through December 20 has something to offer for the entire family and guest appearances from Santa Claus and his elves.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Wild Winter Lights

Wild Winter Lights returns next month

The popular Wild Winter Lights event will take over the zoo from Nov. 12 until Dec. 30.

The event features more than one and a half million lights strung across multiple holiday-themed areas in the zoo.

For more information, click here.

Magic of Lights

Magic of Lights drive-thru more than doubles traffic as families safely celebrate holiday season

Magic of Lights is returning to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds this holiday season.

The light show opens on Nov. 27 and closes on Jan. 4.

Click here for more information.

Performances

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Cleveland, OH - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse -TSO2024_Admat_Horizontal_16x9_Localized.jpg — retouching | digital imaging | post production | finishing | pre press | publishing | graphic design | photography | concert photography

It wouldn’t be the holidays without the Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to town.

This year, their concert is on Dec. 27 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

To learn more, click here.

Cleveland Orchestra

The Cleveland Orchestra might perform concerts year-round, but during the month of December, they perform sounds of the holiday season.

The holiday concerts are performed from Dec. 11 through the 22.

For more information, click here.

The Nutcracker

The beloved holiday show, The Nutcracker, will be taking over Playhouse Square.

Come and watch the Cleveland Ballet perform the holiday classic.

For more information, click here.

A Christmas Carol

Even if you’re a Scrooge, you will enjoy this show.

A Christmas Carol will be performed at Playhouse Square from Nov. 24 until Dec. 23.

For more information, click here.

Winter break camps

Great Lakes Science Center

The Science Center will be hosting STEM camps from Dec. 23 until Dec. 37 and from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.

Kids will learn about space, chemistry, engineering and more.

Click hereto learn more.

Indoor activities

Cleveland Museum of Art

Looking for something fun and free to do while your kids are off school?

Head to the Cleveland Museum of Art to check out their new exhibits.

For more information, click here.

Natural History Museum

Hidden Gems - Cleveland Museum of Natural History 8.jpg — A chunk of the moon collected by Alan Bean on Nov. 20, 1969 is on long-term loan from NASA at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Have you missed going to the history museum? They reopen on Dec. 15.

For more information, click here.

News 5 currently has sponsorship agreements with University Circle, Inc., organizer of the Wade Oval holidays events; Live Nation, organizer of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert; and the Great Lakes Science Center, host of the holiday camps.

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Cleveland, OH

High winds leave tens of thousands without power in Northeast Ohio

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

High winds leave tens of thousands without power in Northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO)—High winds on Wednesday brought down power lines and trees, leaving tens of thousands without power in northern Ohio.

Power Outage generic graphic(WTVY)

As of 4 p.m., FirstEnergy’s website says there are just over 10,000 customers without power, Cleveland Public Power is not reporting any widespread outages and AEP is reporting 7,100.

Click your power company link above for the latest outage information.

Wind Advisories have been issued for Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties until midnight tonight. In these counties, winds could gust 50 to 60 mph for several hours this afternoon and evening.

Click here for the latest from the 19 News First Alert Weather Team.

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Cleveland, OH

Report: Cleveland Cavaliers owner to launch bid to bring WNBA team to Northeast Ohio

Published

17 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

Report: Cleveland Cavaliers owner to launch bid to bring WNBA team to Northeast Ohio

With WNBA expansion on the horizon, multiple reports say that Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert intends to make a bid to bring a franchise back to Cleveland.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has talked about the league having 16 teams by the 2028 season. The league will be at 13 teams to start the 2025 season with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries. Toronto and Portland, Oregon have already been announced as the home of future franchises.

Gilbert, whose Rock Entertainment Group also owns the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, in addition to the Cavaliers told CNBC, “I just feel extraordinarily confident that, should a team be given to Cleveland, in part because of the city, in part because of what sports means here, in part because of the Cavs, it would immediately be a huge success.”

Cavaliers CEO Nic Barlage also spoke to CNBC, which was the first to report on the bid, about the potential of the WNBA finding a home in Cleveland.

“We have this unique convergence of infrastructure, culture and these foundational pieces that we think make Northeast Ohio, and specifically Cleveland, a great opportunity to expand from a WNBA perspective,” he said.

Cleveland hosted one of the WNBA’s eight original teams. From 1997 to 2003, the Cleveland Rockets competed in the league before the franchise folded due to low attendance.

Last year, Columbus added a professional women’s team to its city, as it welcomed the Pro Volleyball Federation’s Columbus Fury.

Columbus also had its own professional women’s basketball team, the Columbus Quest, which lasted two seasons from 1996-1998 in the now-defunct America Basketball League.

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

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