Lakewood woman dies after being thrown from ATV; police seek persons of interest

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland police say a 23-year-old woman died in May after being thrown from an ATV, and officers need your help tracking down persons of interest.

The horrific incident took place on May 17 during a street takeover in the area of East 100th Street and Buckeye Avenue in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood.

Officers say Yarianalie Garcia, from Lakewood, fell from the ATV when the operator performed a wheelie.

According to police, the operator stopped for a short time but did not help Garcia and left.

She later died at a local hospital.

Councilman calls for accountability

Cleveland City Councilman Blaine Griffin, who represents the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood, said gatherings involving dirt bikes and ATVs have grown dangerously out of control in Northeast Ohio.

“Even though this is a result of reckless behavior, somebody lost a life — and we lost a dear, cherished person of the city of Cleveland,” Griffin said.

Griffin said the events can escalate quickly.

“These things often might sound like they start off as innocent, a fun Sunday Funday, but then they turn into tragedy, like the loss of this life,” he said.

Griffin also directed a message to anyone who was present that day.

“First and foremost, I hope that the person who was driving the vehicle actually has a conscience and turns themselves in — because the family is going to want justice,” Griffin said.

Now, Cleveland police have released several photos in a push to identify the ATV operator and a second witness on a white dirt bike.

Anyone with information is asked to call 216-623-5295.