Crime
7-year-old Oaklynn Alexander found safe, suspect Charles Alexander killed in officer-involved shooting in Medina
The 7-year-old girl was immediately taken into protective custody at the scene and reunited with her family.
A statewide Amber Alert ended in tragedy Monday night when a 43-year-old suspect was fatally shot in an “officer-involved shooting,” according to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that the 7-year-old girl, Oaklynn Alexander, who had been abducted earlier in the day was safely rescued and returned to her family.
The suspect, identified as Charles Ryan Alexander, the girl’s non-custodial father, reportedly took her from her home in Empire, Ohio, after an argument.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Alexander initially fled with the child in a Ford F-150 before switching to a U-Haul truck.
Law enforcement eventually tracked the U-Haul to Brunswick, Ohio, where Brunswick police first located the vehicle around 8 p.m.
They attempted a traffic stop, but Alexander fled, leading authorities on a high-speed chase southbound on I-71 toward Medina County.
The chase concluded when Alexander pulled into a parking lot off SR-18 in Medina Township.
Officers and deputies surrounded the vehicle and attempted to negotiate with Alexander, who was reportedly armed and speaking with dispatch centers by phone.
Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, the standoff ended in gunfire, resulting in Alexander’s death.
The 7-year-old girl was immediately taken into protective custody at the scene and reunited with her family.
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are now conducting a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the shooting and the Amber Alert.
SANTA ANA, CA — Community members are expressing outrage and concern following the release of Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, a 45-year-old Santa Ana resident, who has been accused of abducting, torturing, and killing numerous cats throughout Orange County.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Oliveros has been released on bail and is now back in the community as the investigation continues.
Dubbed a “serial cat killer” by law enforcement, Oliveros was arrested earlier this week after Santa Ana Police officers executed a search warrant at his residence on Wilshire Avenue.
Authorities reported that Oliveros confessed to the crimes during questioning, though the full extent of his actions remains under active investigation.
Officials have yet to determine how many animals were harmed, but investigators have stated that the number is believed to be “significant.”
According to a spokesperson for the Santa Ana Police Department, “We are still working to determine the scope of this case and how many cats may have been victimized. The cruelty involved is deeply disturbing.”
Community concern has mounted in recent weeks, as residents across Santa Ana and neighboring areas began sharing surveillance footage and firsthand reports of cats being lured, abducted, and later found injured or deceased.
One widely shared video from March 21 in Westminster showed a man, believed to be Oliveros, capturing Clubber, a 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat.
While Clubber was eventually recovered and returned to his home, the suspect remained at large—until his arrest this week.
Disturbing reports later emerged indicating that many of the missing cats may have been killed. Posts from platforms like Nextdoor recounted chilling details of cats being restrained or allegedly injected with unknown substances.
In one report, a neighbor stated: “We saw the man tie a cat’s legs and walk off toward McFadden.” Another added: “My neighbor’s cat was killed. He was injected with something and didn’t survive.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Oliveros was released on bail shortly after his arrest.
This development has alarmed residents, animal advocates, and grieving pet owners who say they now fear for the safety of their pets—and for the wellbeing of their community.
“This is not just about one person’s loss. This is about protecting countless animals who deserve safety, love, and life,” said one resident. “We need to remain vigilant, speak out, and demand justice.”
The public is strongly encouraged to take the following steps:
- Report any suspicious behavior toward animals to local law enforcement or animal control immediately.
- Speak with neighbors and friends to raise awareness about the situation.
- Contact local officials and media outlets to demand accountability and advocate for stricter laws to prevent animal cruelty.
- Support victims and families who are grieving the loss of beloved pets.
The Santa Ana Police Department has stated that formal charges are expected to be filed soon and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Santa Ana Police Department at (714) 245-8665.
The community’s continued cooperation and vigilance will be essential in seeking justice for the animals affected and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable.