On Thursday evening, the quiet streets of East Cleveland were shaken by a wave of violence when two police officers were shot during a tragic family quarrel. Mayor Latika Shahbaz, speaking with somber resolve, assured the community that both officers — Joshua Durd and Brandon Hernandez — are in stable condition and are expected to recover. However, this incident, which unfolded on North-Taylor Road, left a deep mark on a city already struggling with crime and economic decline.
The incident began around 11:00 p.m. when police received a call about a family fight at a house on North-Taylor Road, 1900. According to Shahbaz, the suspect, a 23-year-old man whose identity has not yet been disclosed, allegedly shot two members of his family. The younger victim was found dead at the scene, while the older, transported to the hospital, soon died from his injuries. Police are awaiting autopsy results to confirm the identities of the deceased, but preliminary data indicate they were members of the suspect’s family.
When officers arrived at the scene, the situation quickly escalated. Officer Joshua Durd, who has been with the police for four years, was wounded in the leg. Nearly simultaneously, reports came in of another gunshot a quarter of a mile from the scene, where Officer Brandon Hernandez, who has served for only a year, was shot in the buttocks. Both officers were taken to the university hospital. According to Justin Anderson, the deputy mayor, Hernandez is likely to be discharged today, while Durd will remain under medical supervision for a few more days.
The suspect was detained a few hours after an intensive manhunt involving several law enforcement agencies from northeastern Ohio, including Cleveland Heights Police, Cuyoga County Sheriff's Office, Shaker Heights Police, Ohio State Patrol, and University Circle Police. He is expected to face charges of two counts of murder with aggravating circumstances and criminal assault.
This tragedy marked yet another blow to East Cleveland — a city long plagued by systemic issues. Clifford Wilson, a local resident who witnessed parts of the events, shared his frustration: "I want this area cleaned up. I don’t want to see police or anyone else getting shot. It's become way too common." His words reflect the sentiments of many in the community, where fear and fatigue from violence have become part of everyday life.
Mayor Shahbaz announced that a press conference will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, during which officials will provide additional details about the incident. As the city prepares for this report, questions linger in the air: will this event serve as a catalyst for real change in East Cleveland, or is it just another episode in a long history of fighting violence? In a community longing for safety and stability, the answer to this question remains uncertain.
