Suspect named in Amber Alert in Jefferson County dead, child found safe
The suspect named in a statewide Amber Alert issued for an abducted Jefferson County child is dead following a police chase.
According Cleveland NBC affiliate WKYC, the suspect, identified as 43-year-old Charles Alexander, was shot and killed by police after a chase down I-71 in Medina County.
Police say Charles abducted 7-year-old Oaklynn Alexander from a family member's house after an altercation. Charles did not have custody of Oaklynn and law enforcement was concerned about her safety.
The original alert said Charles may be driving a 2018 grey Ford F-150 with rear end damage and the Ohio license plate number HPP3057. That truck was found unoccupied.
From there, Charles began driving a 2023 white Ford F-650 U-Haul Van with the Arizona plate number AL74169.
WKYC reports the U-Haul was found in Brunswick, Ohio where police tried to conduct a traffic stop on it and the chase ensued. Eventually, the U-Haul stopped in an Arby's parking lot where authorities attempted to negotiate with Charles via telephone.
WKYC further reports that multiple gunshots were fired in an officer-involved shooting. Charles was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to WKYC, no officers were injured in the incident and Oaklynn has safely been reunited with her mother.