East Cleveland asks for National Guard to help patrol streets

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found the mayor of East Cleveland asking for help from the National Guard.

Mayor Brandon King made the extraordinary request for help protecting the streets of East Cleveland, saying his police force is too small.

We’ve learned the National Guard won’t be coming in, but the Ohio State Highway Patrol will help.

The mayor recently sent a letter to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

“I am formally requesting your assistance,” the letter said, in part. “The Ohio National Guard and State Defense. The East Cleveland Police Department… has been reduced by more than 50 percent… safe and timely service has become a matter of grave concern.”

The East Cleveland Police Department has been hit hard by officers indicted for corruption or use of force. The city is also very poor and sometimes violent.

We turned to long-time activist Art McKoy for reaction.

“I’m stunned,” he said. “I’m stunned by that request, but if the police department is that depleted, surely I would and I’m sure that the citizens of East Cleveland would respect that request.”

Dan Tierney, the Governor’s Press Secretary, issued a statement:

“I can confirm that the governor’s office received the letter. In response, the governor directed Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson to reach out to East Cleveland to offer law enforcement support from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The city and patrol are currently coordinating on details.

“ Providing resources from the OSHP is in line with how the state has handled similar situations in the past involving local law enforcement agencies in need of support.”

The mayor did not return a call from the I-Team seeking comment.

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