Crime is getting off to a bad start in 2012 in Cleveland.

By JAMES W. WADE III

Staff Reporter

A body was found Tuesday morning behind John Marshall High School on Cleveland’s west side. A custodian found the body of Bradley Riggins of Cleveland in the back of a covered area of the parking lot and called the police.

Police, along with the EMS approached a male who was slumped over on the ground, faced down. The exposed skin at his wrist was pale and there were no signs of breathing. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner was also called to the scene.

School officials canceled classes for the day so the police could conduct their investigation. The Medical Examiner will do an autopsy to determine a cause of death.

A preliminary investigation revealed that on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Third District officers stopped a beige Chevrolet Impala at E. 85^th and Wade Park for a traffic violation. Upon approaching the vehicle and conferring with the operator the officers smelled a strong odor of PCP.

The officers asked the driver of the vehicle for his driver’s license, which he did not comply. As the male sat in the vehicle he began to make movements reaching around in the vehicle. At this time the officer deployed his taser and ordered the male to stop reaching, which the male did not comply.

The officer tasered the male but reported that it had no effect on him. Subsequent to being tased, the suspect reached between the seat and the door, the officer grabbed the male’s arm ordering him to stop and exit the vehicle. The male then put the vehicle in gear and pulled off dragging the officer. The second officer then discharged his service weapon at the suspect multiple times. The officer was able to free himself from the vehicle and while in company with his partner they pursued the suspect vehicle to E. 71^st and Linwood.

At 71^st and Linwood the suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief pursuit on foot the officers were able to apprehend the suspect. Subsequent to apprehending the suspect the officers found him to have gunshot wounds to the head (graze wound) and arm. EMS was notified, responded to the scene and conveyed the suspect to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he is being treated for his injuries.

The Cleveland Division of Police Use of Deadly Force Investigation Team was notified and responded to the scene. The officers are reporting no injuries at this time. Arrested male: Black Male 31 years of age.