Inset: Ronald Loftis (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction). Background: Surveillance camera from Loftis allegedly attacking a woman in Cleveland, Ohio (WEWS).
An Ohio resident is accused of a violent robbery spree, attacking a woman waiting for a bus and, shortly thereafter, shooting another woman in the face while stealing her car and leaving her infant son in the snow.
Ronald Loftis, 47, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, felonious assault, and robbery, following his indictment earlier this month. The incidents, which occurred in Cleveland on the morning of January 2, were initially reported by Law&Crime. According to local ABC affiliate WEWS, Loftis attacked a woman about half an hour before the carjacking.
In the first incident, while the woman was waiting for a bus, Loftis allegedly approached her, apologizing before drawing a gun and firing a warning shot into the ground. He then reportedly pistol-whipped her and stole her cellphone, an act captured by street cameras. Loftis later returned the phone to the victim.
The subsequent attack took place around 7:30 a.m. on January 2 on Madison Avenue in Cleveland, according to police reports. Loftis is alleged to have confronted the second victim with a gun, demanding money. When she informed him she had no cash, a struggle ensued over her keys, during which the firearm discharged, hitting her in the face.
“This reckless and audacious crime not only jeopardized the victim’s life but also put a child present at the scene in danger,” police stated.
The victim’s daughter recounted to local Fox affiliate WJW how Loftis allegedly tossed the toddler into the snow before fleeing in the stolen vehicle. Authorities managed to recover the car shortly after the incident, and their investigation identified Loftis as the perpetrator.
Officers arrested Loftis on Jan. 3 at a home on the city’s east side. He was taken to the Cuyahoga County Jail on charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery.
“This was a senseless and violent crime carried out with complete disregard for human life,” Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy A. Todd said in a statement. “Because of the decisive and relentless work of our officers and detectives, this dangerous individual is now off our streets. Our thoughts are with the victim as she recovers from this traumatic event. We are grateful that she is in stable condition and that the child who was with her was not physically harmed.”
Loftis remains in jail on a $500,000 bond. Court records indicate that he has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1997.
The victim’s daughter told WEWS that she hopes the suspect remains behind bars.
“I just wish we could get justice for my mom and that lady because there’s no reason the guy should be out on the streets or anything,” she said.
