CLEVELAND — Two adults and minor have been charged with crimes related to a street takeover on Sept. 15 on West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue, according to a press release from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
The release states those charged are Gauge Franklin, 18, of Akron; John Dietrich, 20, of Barberton; and a 17-year-old male from Norton.
“These street takeovers are ruining the quality of life for our citizens,” Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said in the release. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute any street takeover cases referred to us.”
Franklin and Dietrich were indicted on one count of each of these charges on Oct. 11:
- Aggravated Riot
- Disrupting Public Services
- Inducing Panic
- Arson
- Criminal Damaging or Endangering
The 17-year-old was charged with the same set of crimes in juvenile court on Oct. 3.
It is alleged in the release that these three individuals participated in the intersection shut down on Sept. 15 that involved 20 vehicles forming a roadblock and doing donuts.
The three individuals charged, a Cleveland Division of Police investigation claims, drove to the scene together. The release states the 17-year-old used a fire accelerant, pouring it into the shape of a circle. It then alleges that Dietrich lit it on fire and that the three fled the scene after police arrived.
The release states these individuals were linked to the crime thanks to surveillance footage and social media evidence. It also states that the investigation is still ongoing.
Franklin was arrested on Oct. 3, Dietrich on Oct. 8, and an arrest warrant was issued for the minor.
Franklin and Dietrich will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.