Shooting Suspect Nabbed by Task Force

Cleveland, OH – Wanted fugitive William Neal, age 21, was arrested this morning at approximately 11:30 am in Cleveland, Ohio. Neal was wanted by the Cleveland police Department on charges of two counts of felonious assault shooting and one count of aggravated robbery. Neal was the primary suspect in two different shootings that have recently taken place on Cleveland’s east side. The first occurred this past June when it is alleged that Neal shot and robbed a male victim that was involved in a dice game on Mt. Hermon Avenue. It is believed that Neal walked up on the participants of the game and shot one of the males five times before robbing him of his money and fleeing the scene. The second instance took place during the first few days of July when it is believed that Neal and others fired a weapon several times into a dwelling on Donald Avenue. The drive-by shooting is believed to have occurred as a result of rival gang activity. Following the second shooting, the Cleveland Police solicited the assistance of the Task Force in the search for Neal.

The Task Force began its search late last week and was able to gain critical information on Neal’s family members and associates. The investigation intensely continued through the weekend and over the past few days. The Task Force was finally able to identify an associate of Neal’s family that was possibly providing a place for him to hide. At approximately 11:00 am, the Task Force descended upon a residence located on the 1300 Block of Russell Avenue in Cleveland. A perimeter was established around the residence as Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers attempted to make entry. The members of the Task Force called into the residence and convinced Neal to surrender. Neal was arrested without incident and a semi automatic weapon was recovered in the residence.

Acting Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fitzgibbon stated, “The members of the Task Force did everything they could to prevent this violent offender from striking again and jeopardizing the safety of the community. The summer weather encourages outdoor activity and we want our citizens to feel safe from gunfire and violence.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Bratenahl Police Department, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Linndale Village Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Westlake Police Department, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the U.S. Secret Service.