A 16-year-old boy who Cleveland police shot while he was driving a stolen car pleaded guilty Monday in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas to five charges.
Jahmez Johnson admitted guilt to two counts of felonious assault, one count of failing to comply with a police officer’s order or signal, and two counts of receiving stolen property.
Judge Ashley Kilbane will sentence Johnson on May 18.
The shooting happened on Dec. 14, 2024, in the 800 block of E. 146th St.
Police said the Cleveland Division of Police Third District Vice Unit had been investigating more than 30 recent car break-ins in the Midtown neighborhood.
During the investigation, officers checked a vacant home and discovered a recently reported stolen white Kia Sportage with three people inside, according to police.
The driver fled but returned to the area several hours later.
Officers said they again tried to make contact with the people inside the car and noted the driver, later identified as Johnson, appeared to be sleeping.
When Johnson woke up to officers’ commands, he put the car in drive and struck a police cruiser.
He then attempted to push the cruiser with the vehicle, reversed and hit a garage, and drove toward officers once more.
An officer fired at Johnson, hitting him in the shoulder.
Johnson, who was 14 at the time, received treatment and was released from a local hospital.
Police also said they found a firearm inside the stolen vehicle.
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