Suspect in Cleveland Heights Rape Arrested by U.S. Marshals

Cleveland, OH – Late this morning, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Dalen Matthews, 16. Matthews was wanted by the Cleveland Heights Police Department (CHPD) for rape, attempted rape, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping.

Matthews is suspected of attacking a woman in the area of East Derbyshire Rd. and Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights just after 9pm on June 11.  According to police, Matthews was in possession of a handgun during the time of the assault. Matthews was identified by Cleveland Heights Police, and a warrant was issued for Matthews on June 24.

The NOVFTF worked quickly with detectives from CHPD to gather information about Matthews and his possible whereabouts.  Over the weekend, members of the task force gathered information that Matthews may be hiding out in a home in the Harvard Broadway area of Cleveland.  The task force was able to locate and arrest Matthews without incident at a home in the 7200 block of Ottawa Rd. in Cleveland.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This was a violent crime that took place just off a busy intersection in our community.  A suspect like this needs to be taken off the streets quickly to continue to keep our communities safe.  We hope that the arrest of this dangerous and violent individual will bring some closure to the victim and begin the process of justice for this suspect.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.