A violent crime reduction operation in Cleveland on Wednesday led to 12 felony arrests, nine illegal firearm seizures, and three stolen vehicle recoveries, as part of Governor Mike DeWine’s ongoing initiative to remove repeat violent offenders from Ohio’s streets. The multi-agency effort involved local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
Governor DeWine emphasized the success of such collaborations, saying, "Last night’s multi-agency operation in Cleveland is another example of how bringing together local, state, and federal law enforcement partners can directly lead to safer communities." He added, "These operations identify, locate, and stop violent criminals before they have the chance to cause harm."
During the operation, officers from the Cleveland Division of Police (CPD) and troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) arrested Raj’on Foster, 18, and Camaron Brown, 20. The two were apprehended after a traffic stop attempt for a stolen vehicle escalated into a pursuit. They were found with two stolen firearms, one illegally modified to be fully automatic, and charged with receiving stolen property, failure to comply, and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle.
Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) also contributed significantly, making six felony arrests and recovering six illegal firearms. This included two teenagers found trespassing in a community center with an illegal handgun and an AR-style pistol. The 12 individuals arrested face various charges, including carrying a concealed weapon, having weapons while under disability, and drug possession. Since early 2026, these targeted operations have resulted in over 410 felony arrests and more than 160 illegal firearm recoveries across Ohio.