Police are seeking the public’s help to locate Katie Michelle Leister, age 35. Katie was reported missing by her husband on June 1st, 2021 after not seeing her since May 21, 2021. Her husband stated that she was last seen walking to pick up a pizza in the area of E. 59/Broadway. The case has been upgraded to a kidnapping as she was reported by others to be in the company of known drug dealers. Katie suffers from various medical conditions and is in need of medication. Her home address lists to Ravenna, Ohio. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 216-621-1234.
The Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to recognize Patrol Officer Anthony Lee as the May 2021 Police Officer of the Month Patrol Officer Anthony Lee is a conscientious and dedicated individual who cares about the community he serves and has a special place in his heart for children!
Officer Lee has created the “Cops & Clippers” program that provides disadvantaged youth in the First District with a free haircut. The program works as follows: an officer or individual donates or purchases a ticket for $10.00 which is then handed out to a neighborhood youth. This of course is an excellent way not only for our officers to engage with the young people in the community, but also to help make them feel confident about their appearance.
When asked about this new concept, former First District Commander and now Deputy Chief Daniel Fay stated “The ‘Cops & Clippers’ program is a great opportunity for officers to engage with the young people in our community, and to build positive relationships between the police and the citizens we serve.”
Officer Lee is very pleased that other officers have stepped up and accepted a role in this endeavor and he hopes to expand the “Cops & Clippers” program throughout the city of Cleveland.
It is because of his dedication to the youth in the community and his overall devotion to his profession that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name Patrol Officer Anthony Lee as its Police Officer of the Month for May 2021.
The Cleveland Division of Police is seeking the public’s help to locate a vehicle used in an armed robbery on Thursday May 13, 2021 at 140am in the area of West 127th Streetand Triskett Avenue. The involved vehicle is believed to be a silver 2015 Toyota Camry. Anyone with information regarding the vehicle or suspects involved is asked to contact The First District Detective Unit at 216-623-5118. Anonymous information can be provided via Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME.
The Commander of the First District oversees the daily operations of the First Neighborhood Police District. Commander Michael Butler was appointed to the Cleveland Division of Police in 1992. Butler served the city as a Patrol Officer in the Fifth District before being promoted to Sergeant in 1998, Lieutenant in 2009 and to Captain in 2016. Commander Michael Butler most recently served as the Captain of Field Operations and Special Events Coordinator, managing major events for the Division of Police including the Cavs Parade, Republican National Convention, Marine Week, Major League Baseball All-Star Week, and this week’s NFL Draft. He has accumulated over 28 years of service as an officer, earning several awards, including: multiple special Commendations, a Medal of Heroism, an Outstanding Community Service Officer Award, an Outstanding Service and Support Award for the 2020 Presidential Debate, and more. He is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College.
Gordon Holmes, Commissioner, Bureau of Traffic
The Commissioner of the Bureau of Traffic oversees the Bureau of Traffic, including the Mounted Unit and the Motorcycle Unit. Commissioner Gordon Holmes was appointed to the Cleveland Division of Police in 1993. Holmes served the city as a Patrol Officer in the Third District before being promoted to Sergeant in 2001, and to Lieutenant in 2002. Commissioner Gordon Holmes has also served the Division of Police as a supervisor in the Fourth District’s Vice and Community Services Unit. He has been serving as the Lieutenant in charge of the Bureau of Traffic since 2012, and has been the Bureau’s lead on major events for the Division of Police, including the Cavs Parade, Republican National Convention, Marine Week, Major League Baseball All-Star Week, and this week’s NFL Draft. He has earned a Medal of Honor, a Chief’s Commendation, a Distinguished Service Medal, and several letters of appreciation. He is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College as well as the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection School.
