An Ohio man, Larry Leon Dwight Wiley, 55, from Cleveland, is facing federal charges after allegedly shooting a deputy U.S. Marshal during a barricade incident. The incident occurred on October 15 when the Cleveland U.S. Marshals Service attempted to execute an arrest warrant for a previous federal law violation at Wiley's apartment. According to the criminal complaint, Wiley fired at the officers as they entered his unit, injuring one deputy in the arm with a .380 caliber round. The injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Wiley appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer Dowdell Armstrong on October 16 and was ordered to remain in custody while the case proceeds. U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio supported this decision in court.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the risks faced by law enforcement officers, stating: "Law enforcement officers risk everything to protect us, and this case is a stark reminder of the dangers they face in the line of duty." She expressed gratitude that the injured marshal is expected to recover fully and emphasized her commitment to prosecuting such crimes vigorously.
U.S. Attorney Toepfer also remarked on the seriousness of assaults against federal law enforcement officers: "An assault on federal law enforcement is an assault against society." He acknowledged the quick response from local and federal agencies including the Cleveland Police Department, FBI, and ATF.
FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen highlighted the collaboration among various agencies that helped prevent further harm: "The swift and decisive actions by the United States Marshal’s Service, Cleveland Division of Police, ATF, and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office underscore the collaboration and partnership among our local, state, and federal agencies."
Wiley faces charges of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The sentence will be determined based on factors unique to his case.
The investigation is being conducted by multiple agencies including FBI Cleveland Division and ATF along with assistance from local police departments. Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Sweeney, Scott Zarzycki, and James P. Lewis are leading the prosecution for this case under the jurisdiction of https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh.
A criminal complaint is an allegation; Wiley remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
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