Ohio Man Indicted After Targeting Multiple Women, Shooting Mom in Face and Dumping 1-Year-Old in Snow During Carjacking
CLEVELAND, OHIO — An Ohio man is facing a long list of felony charges after police say he carried out a violent spree targeting multiple women — including shooting a mother in the face, stealing her car, and throwing her 1-year-old child into the snow before fleeing.
Series of Attacks Unfolded Within Minutes
Ronald Loftis, 47, was indicted earlier this month on charges including attempted murder, felonious assault, and robbery, according to court records.
Police say the attacks happened on the morning of Jan. 2, beginning with an assault on a woman waiting for a bus and escalating minutes later into a brutal carjacking involving a mother and her toddler.
“Sorry to Do This to You,” Suspect Told First Victim
According to investigators and reports from WEWS, Loftis first approached a woman who was standing at a bus stop.
Police say he told her, “Sorry to do this to you,” before pulling out a gun and firing a shot into the ground. He then allegedly pistol-whipped the woman, stole her cellphone, and fled. The attack was captured on street cameras.
Authorities said Loftis later returned the woman’s phone, though the reason for doing so was not explained.
Mom Shot in Face During Carjacking
Roughly 30 minutes later, Loftis allegedly struck again — this time in the 7900 block of Madison Avenue on Cleveland’s west side.
Police said Loftis approached a woman sitting in her car with her 1-year-old son inside, pointed a gun at her face, and demanded money. When she said she didn’t have any cash, Loftis allegedly tried to grab her keys, and a struggle followed.
During that struggle, the gun discharged, striking the woman in the face, according to police.
“This brazen and reckless act placed not only the victim’s life at risk, but also endangered a child who was present during the incident,” officers wrote.
Toddler Thrown Into Snow Before Suspect Flees
The victim’s daughter later told WJW that Loftis then grabbed the 1-year-old child and threw him out of the car into the snow, before driving off in the stolen vehicle.
Police said the child was not physically injured, and the stolen car was recovered a short time later.
Arrest Made Next Day
Following further investigation, Cleveland police identified Loftis as the suspect. Officers arrested him on Jan. 3 at a home on the city’s east side.
He was booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail and remains behind bars on a $500,000 bond.
Police Chief Condemns “Senseless and Violent Crime”
Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy A. Todd said the attacks showed a complete disregard for human life.
“This was a senseless and violent crime carried out with complete disregard for human life,” Todd said. “Because of the decisive and relentless work of our officers and detectives, this dangerous individual is now off our streets.”
She added that the injured mother is in stable condition and that police are grateful the child survived.
Extensive Criminal History
Court records show Loftis has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1997, a factor prosecutors are expected to highlight as the case moves forward.
The victim’s daughter told WEWS she hopes Loftis never returns to the streets.
“I just wish we could get justice for my mom and that lady,” she said. “There’s no reason the guy should be out on the streets or anything.”
Case Continues
Loftis remains in custody as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case. Authorities have not said whether additional charges could be filed.
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