Suspect Wanted in Deadly Home Explosion After 123 Mph Crash Arrested by U.S. Marshals

Cleveland, OH – This afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Christopher Terry, 39.  Terry was wanted by the Cleveland Police Department for aggravated vehicular homicide.

On November 19, 2023, Terry was driving a 2019 Dodge Challenger over 120 miles per hour when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into trees, traveled through several front yards, struck the porch of an apartment building, and eventually crashed into the front porch of a home on East 139th St. When the car struck the apartment building in the 3400 block of East 139th St. it caused severe damage to the gas line, and minutes after the crash the building exploded.  A 68-year-old woman inside one of the apartments was killed in the explosion.  

On February 5, 2024, a warrant for Terry’s arrest was issued.  The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force began working on the investigation immediately.  Late this afternoon, the NOVFTF was able to locate Terry and arrested him near an address in the 4200 block of Memphis Ave. in Cleveland. He was arrested without incident.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “The death of this victim is an utter tragedy, the suspect has absolutely no regard for the safety of anyone else in this community.  The suspect facing the justice system will hopefully be the first step in the healing process for all of the victims involved in this case.”

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.