CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) ask for the public’s help in locating two individuals involved in an aggravated robbery spree in November 2023.

“Keeping every community safe is our goal. That includes apprehending those who target our commercial businesses and terrorize employees. We are asking for the public’s help. If you have any information regarding these individuals please call Crime Stoppers at 216.252.7463.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

“The Division of Police is unwavering in our commitment to locating the individuals responsible for these crimes. We urge our community members to come forward and assist in locating these individuals. By working together, we can ensure the safety and security of our community, reinforcing our dedication to keeping our neighborhoods safe for all residents.”

Cleveland Division of Police Deputy Chief Sammy Morris

From November 12, 2023, to December 1, 2023, Daeshoun Bethel, 24, Nathaniel Rush, 21, and Damien Matthews, 21, committed 10 aggravated robberies of businesses located in Cleveland, Orange, Warrensville Heights, and Shaker Heights. The three individuals would enter the business, oftentimes acting like they were going to purchase something, point firearms at employees and store patrons, jump over counters, rob the business and employees, and then flee the scene. They would take money from the register, products from the store, and money / personal items from store employees and patrons. During the robbery on November 14, the victim was strangled and punched repeatedly for several minutes. During the robbery on November 30, 2023, a shot was fired that struck a window (no person was struck).

Daeshoun Bethel was arrested and taken into custody. The USMS is actively looking for Nathaniel Rush and Damien Matthews.

You can view video of the incident below.

Nathaniel Rush and Damien Matthews photos:

The investigation was conducted by CDP, Shaker Heights Police Department, Orange Police Department, and Warrensville Heights Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any information about this matter, please contact the U.S. Marshals at 1.866.4.WANTED or Crime Stoppers at 216.252.7463 or scan the QR code below and leave an anonymous tip.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to the location and arrest of the persons responsible for this crime.

The dates and locations of the aggravated robberies are as follows:

  • Aggravated Robbery #1: 11/12/23: Zaza’s Smoke Shop – 6410 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland
  • Aggravated Robbery #2: 11/14/2023: Subway – 6510 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland
  • Aggravated Robbery #3: 11/17/2023: O’Reilly Auto Parts – 6535 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland
  • Aggravated Robbery #4: 11/18/2023: Advance Auto Parts – 7440 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland
  • Aggravated Robbery #5: 11/25/2023: Hookah Tales – 20019 Harvard Avenue, Warrensville Heights
  • Aggravated Robbery #6: 11/25/2023: Family Dollar – 16605 Miles Avenue, Cleveland
  • Aggravated Robbery #7: 11/28/2023: Subway – 6551 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland
  • Aggravated Robbery #8: 11/29/2023: Shell Gas Station – 27010 Chagrin Boulevard, Orange
  • Aggravated Robbery #9: 11/30/2023: O’Reilly Auto Parts – 11011 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland
  • Aggravated Robbery #10: 12/1/2023: BP Gas Station – 20420 Chagrin Boulevard, Shaker Heights

Daeshoun Bethel was indicted on the following charges:

  • 13 counts of Aggravated Robbery
  • Two counts of Kidnapping
  • 26 counts of Robbery
  • Two counts of Felonious Assault
  • Seven counts of Improperly Handling Firearms In A Motor Vehicle
  • Eight counts of Having Weapons While Under Disability
  • One count of Receiving Stolen Property

 

Damien Matthews was indicted on the following charges:

  • 15 counts of Aggravated Robbery
  • Six counts of Kidnapping
  • 28 counts of Robbery
  • One count of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Assault
  • Five counts of Improperly Handling Firearms In A Motor Vehicle

Nathaniel Rush was indicted on the following charges:

  • 11 counts of Aggravated Robbery
  • Six counts of Kidnapping
  • 20 counts of Robbery
  • One count of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Assault
  • Two counts of Improperly Handling Firearms In A Motor Vehicle

 

Visit the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Facebook page to see Prosecutor O’Malley’s entire message from today’s press conference.