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.

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.

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.

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 the night Williams went missing, the then 15-year-old boy went to a party on Gertrude Avenue in Slavic Village.

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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