The Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office held a news conference Monday afternoon to ask for the public's help in locating two men wanted for a crime spree last year that spanned nearly a month. Shorty after the news conference, one of the two men was taken into custody.
During the news conference, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley was joined by Crime Strategies Unit Supervisor Ryan Bokoch, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot and Patricia Meehan from Crime Stoppers.
You can watch the full news conference in the player below:
According to authorities, the two suspects, Nathaniel Rush and Damien Matthews, both 21 years old, committed 10 robberies in Northeast Ohio, including seven in Cleveland, one in Warrensville Heights, one in Shaker Heights and one in the Village of Orange. The robberies occurred between Nov. 12 and Dec. 1, 2023.
One suspect arrested Monday
Just hours after the news conference on Monday, Nathaniel Rush was located and arrested in Garfield Heights by U.S. Marshals, according to an update from the prosecutor's office. He was found with several firearms and was taken into custody. The search for Matthews continues.
Search continues for suspects
Another suspect is currently in custody for the alleged crimes. Authorities said the trio would enter a store, pretend to buy something and then rob the cashier when the register till was opened. Police are also working to determine the identity of a fourth individual who took part in some of the robberies.
"My suggestion to these individuals and family members...turn yourself in," Elliot said.
Robberies involved violence
During the robberies, the suspects attacked employees and customers. In one robbery, an employee was beaten and choked for several minutes. In another robbery, one of the suspects fired a gun. Most of the robberies were captured on store security cameras.
What they're charged with
An 81-count indictment has been filed in connection with the robberies. The three men are facing a slew of charges, including aggravated robbery, robbery, kidnapping, assault, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.
How you can help
Authorities ask that anyone with information about the whereabouts of Rush and Matthews or the fourth unknown robber contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-4-WANTED or Crime Stoppers at 261-25-CRIME (7463). Tips can be anonymous, and a $5,000 reward is available.
