Ohio man, Larry Leon Dwight Wiley, 55, was taken into federal custody and charged with assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon following a standoff that resulted in a Deputy U.S. Marshal being shot.
The incident began on October 15 when members of the Cleveland U.S. Marshals Service arrived at Wiley’s apartment to execute an arrest warrant for a previous federal law violation.
According to the criminal complaint, Wiley barricaded himself inside the unit for several hours. As federal officers entered the unit, Wiley allegedly began firing, striking one Deputy U.S. Marshal in the arm with a .380 caliber round.
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The injured officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
Initial Appearance and Charges
Wiley made his initial appearance on Thursday, October 16, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer Dowdell Armstrong. Following a motion by U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio, Wiley was ordered to remain in custody while the matter is pending.
If convicted on the assault charge, Wiley faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The final sentence, if any, will be determined by the Court after reviewing all unique factors of the case, including any prior criminal record.
Officials Condemn Attack
The shooting drew sharp condemnation from federal and local law enforcement officials, who emphasized the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty.
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“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful that our deputy U.S. Marshal will make a full recovery and I will ensure that this heinous crime is prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Any attack on law enforcement is an attack on our society itself.”
U.S. Attorney Toepfer echoed the sentiment, stating, “An assault on federal law enforcement is an assault against society. We will aggressively prosecute anyone who harms a federal law enforcement officer who is pursuing the mission of protecting the public.”
FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen commended the multi-agency response. “The swift and decisive actions by the United States Marshal’s Service, Cleveland Division of Police, ATF, and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office to prevent additional harm… underscores the collaboration and partnership among our local, state, and federal agencies,” Nelsen said.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Cleveland Division of Police, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Sweeney, Scott Zarzycki, and James P. Lewis.
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