Crime
Police Incident Shuts Down I-77 in North Canton Amid Active Shooting Situation
A section of Interstate 77 in Stark County that was closed on Sunday afternoon has reopened, according to the Jackson Township Police Department.
The closure was prompted by a law enforcement operation involving the U.S. Marshals Service.
Timeline of Events
- Start of Operation:
Jackson Township Police Chief Mark Brink reported that the U.S. Marshals Service initiated a law enforcement operation in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip N.W. in Jackson Township around 11 a.m. - Incident Location:
The operation centered around the Roadway Inn, located at 6880 Sunset Strip Avenue. According to an employee at the motel, authorities appeared to be targeting a specific individual for arrest. - Gunfire Reported:
During the encounter, shots were fired, and part of the incident was captured on camera by a witness. - SWAT Involvement:
The Canton Regional SWAT team and Canton Police officers also responded to the scene in a SWAT capacity. Their presence ensured public safety and assisted in resolving the situation. - Nearby Business Lockdown:
The Cracker Barrel restaurant, located at 6940 Sunset Strip Avenue, was temporarily placed on lockdown during the operation. The restaurant has since reopened, and normal activities have resumed in the area.
Traffic and Public Safety
The temporary closure of I-77 caused significant traffic disruptions as law enforcement secured the scene. However, the highway was reopened later in the day after the situation was brought under control.
Investigation Ongoing
Details surrounding the law enforcement operation, including the identity of the individual involved and any arrests made, have not yet been disclosed. The incident remains under investigation by local and federal authorities.
Residents and businesses in the area have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.