OHIO — Violent crime reduction operations conducted in Cincinnati and Cleveland on Wednesday resulted in 10 felony arrests and the seizure of eight illegally possessed firearms, according to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.
The operations were part of Ohio’s Violent Crime Reduction Initiative, which combines local, state and federal law enforcement resources to target violent criminal activity through coordinated enforcement efforts and intelligence sharing.
Authorities said one of the operations in Cincinnati involved officers with the Cincinnati Police Department and troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol stopping a 2005 Buick LaCrosse around 11:35 p.m. after the vehicle committed a traffic violation.
Law enforcement identified the driver as 40-year-old Orlando McSwain. Officers reportedly observed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle during the stop.
According to officials, McSwain ran from officers after exiting the vehicle. Troopers attempted to use a Taser, but he continued fleeing before he was eventually taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators said McSwain later admitted to illegally possessing a firearm, which officers recovered during a search of the vehicle.
He was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center on charges including obstructing official business, resisting arrest, carrying a concealed weapon, having weapons while under disability and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle.
In a separate operation in Cleveland, agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit arrested two people on felony charges and recovered two illegally possessed firearms.
Authorities said agents observed a 13-year-old carrying a firearm near downtown Cleveland. The juvenile was taken into custody, and charges are pending through Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.
Officials said additional arrests during the operations involved charges including drug possession, drug trafficking, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and failure to comply.
Gov. DeWine said the operations are aimed at removing illegal weapons and violent offenders from Ohio communities.
“Every Ohioan has the right to live in a neighborhood where they feel safe and secure,” DeWine said in a statement.
