Cleveland homeowner wounded confronting suspected armed car thieves in Old Brooklyn driveway, police investigate shooting

Homeowner describes confrontation captured on home security video

A Cleveland homeowner was shot early Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, after opening his front door to confront two people he said were attempting to steal a vehicle from a driveway in the city’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood. The incident occurred around 1:12 a.m. on Schiller Avenue near East 39th Street.

The homeowner, a 34-year-old man identified only by his first name, said he was upstairs when he heard noises outside and went to investigate. Home security video recorded him opening the door and shouting toward the driveway before a series of gunshots can be heard.

He said the two people he confronted wore masks and carried flashlights and walkie-talkies. He also said a vehicle was positioned nearby as a potential getaway car.

Nine rounds fired; victim hospitalized with leg wound

The homeowner said the suspects fired multiple times from outside the house. He reported that nine shots were fired and that one bullet struck his calf, entering and exiting the leg and causing heavy bleeding after an artery was nicked.

He said he retreated back inside, dropped the gun he was holding, and yelled for a family member to call 911. He also described applying a makeshift tourniquet using a shirt until emergency responders arrived.

Emergency medical personnel treated him at the scene and transported him to a hospital. The homeowner credited the rapid response and tourniquet application with preventing a more serious outcome.

Suspects fled; attempted vehicle theft tied to repeat targeting of Kia model

The homeowner said the attempted theft involved his sister’s Kia Sportage parked in the driveway. He said the vehicle had been stolen previously despite the use of anti-theft measures, including a steering wheel lock, and had been returned.

Video from the incident shows one suspect running away in the direction of State Road, while another appears to enter a vehicle and drive off. No arrests were announced in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

What Ohio law says about using force at home

Ohio law removes a general duty to retreat before using force in self-defense when a person is in a place where they are legally allowed to be, including their residence. Even without a duty to retreat, the legal standard still centers on whether a person reasonably believed force was necessary under the circumstances.

Law enforcement continues investigating the Old Brooklyn shooting, including the identities of the suspects and any evidence captured by cameras in the area.

• Location: Schiller Avenue near East 39th Street, Old Brooklyn
• Time reported: about 1:12 a.m., Feb. 13, 2026
• Injury: gunshot wound to the calf; treated and hospitalized
• Status: suspects fled; investigation ongoing

Anyone with information about the shooting or attempted vehicle theft can report tips to local law enforcement.