For Immediate Release

Cleveland, OH – Wanted fugitives Samuel Jones and Herbert McCloud were arrested last night in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida by the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force based on a request from the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Jones, age 30, and his cohort and half brother McCloud, age 19, were wanted as the primary suspects in the June 16th shooting of T.J. Simms on Cleveland’s west side. The shooting occurred at 3318 W. 44th Street and was the result of an argument between the two parties, which left Simms in critical condition and currently paralyzed.

At the request of the Cleveland Division of Police, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force was called upon to work the case over the course of the last week. Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers began their investigation and quickly ascertained information that the two suspects had fled the state of Ohio shortly after the shooting took place. As the investigation continued, the Task Force was able to determine that they fled to the area of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Deputy Marshals immediately notified the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force of the two fugitives and provided them with all the details of the case. The Florida Task Force set up surveillance in suspected locations and proceeded to search for the two felons. At approximately 5 pm last night, Jones was spotted walking down the 800 block of NW 14th Terrace, in Ft. Lauderdale. The Task Force took action and arrested Jones without incident. During the course of the Jones arrest, information was relayed to McCloud who was nearby in the area. Upon learning of the arrest McCloud attempted to flee the area and took the Task Force on somewhat of a chase through Ft. Lauderdale. McCloud was apprehended approximately 3 hours later in an undisclosed location.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force continues the search for fugitive Josh Browning, age 20, who is wanted for homicide in connection with this investigation. Browning allegedly shot and killed an innocent bystander on the 3000 block of W. 46th Street as retaliation for the Simms shooting. Browning apparently mistook the male victim for Jones/McCloud and shot that person multiple times in the chest.
“The Cleveland Division of Police is grateful for the partnership that we have with the U.S. Marshals. The arrest of two wanted Cleveland felons in the state Florida by the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, shows that the partnership works and extends the Division’s resources beyond the City of Cleveland and the State of Ohio.” stated Deputy Chief of Special Operations Edward Tomba.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Browning or any 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: Bratenahl Police Department, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Chagrin Falls Police Department, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Euclid Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Linndale Village Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service and the Westlake Police Department.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

     Updated News Release