A strong message from the Cincinnati Police Chief as the first arrest is made in the rock-throwing case along Columbia Parkway where a young woman was severely injured last month.
Chief Tom Streicher is taking the search for a second suspect right to the alleged perpetrator's door.
Streicher says they do have a 16-year-old male in custody and they're searching for an 18-year-old Joseph Burdine.
Police held a press conference Wednesday morning outside Burdine's front door in the 2500 block of Riverside Drive.
"If it means putting pressure on somebody being here in front of their house to let them know they're wanted, then that's what we're here for. You're wanted and we're not going to stop until you go to jail," said Chief Streicher.
Streicher says the Fugitive Task Force has joined the search for Burdine.
The juvenile suspect was arrested at his Riverside Drive home Tuesday night.
"Yesterday we were moving in and we looked over and the cops surrounded the building. The cops went in and he brought the one boy out and walked him to the car," said Amanda Marksberry, who lives across the street.
Police say the juvenile confessed to throwing rocks on Columbia Parkway the night of June 14.
Joyce Baresel, 23, was severely injured by one of the rocks while riding in the back of a cab.
The rock struck her on the head and fractured her skull. She was released from the hospital earlier this week.
"They were out just having fun they said. They were just throwing rocks. He stated to me that they had no malicious intent other than to I guess whatever kids do for fun, throw rocks at cars and damage vehicles. Unfortunately, one of these rocks, a baseball-size rock, struck Ms. Baresel, the victim," said Officer Howard Moy.
Police say they had already received calls to Crime Stoppers with the suspects names, but a few more leads came in yesterday after restaurant owner, Jeff Ruby, offered to match the $5,000 reward.
"We do appreciate the community's efforts and this was a combination of good investigative work and some information that was phoned into Crime Stoppers, so we appreciate Jeff Ruby stepping up and double the amount of the reward," said Captain Doug Wiesman.
Police say details are still being worked out, but its likely the tipster or tipsters will receive the reward money.
Baresel continues to recover from her injuries at home.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (513)352-3040 or text tips to (513)352-3050.
Joyce Baresel released the following statement:
I received word that an arrest was made in my case. At this time, I do not have a comment regarding the suspects. The entire event has been difficult to handle and I am concentrating on my recovery. However I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Cincinnati Police Department for their continued efforts. Special thanks to Detective Moy and Chief Streicher for their focus and dedication towards solving this case. I also would like to thank my family, friends and the Cincinnati community for their overwhelming support, prayers and well-wishes.
Love and Thanks
