Cleveland, OH — A 47-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly attacking two women in separate violent encounters earlier this month, including one in which a child was thrown into the snow during a carjacking, police said.
Prosecutors say Ronald Loftis was indicted on counts of attempted murder, felonious assault, and robbery for a pair of incidents that occurred within minutes of each other on the morning of January 2.
The first attack took place around 7 a.m. when a woman waiting for a bus was approached by Loftis, who allegedly apologized before pulling a gun and firing a shot into the ground. Police said Loftis then pistol-whipped the woman and stole her cellphone. Surveillance footage captured the assault, and according to investigators, Loftis later returned the phone.
Roughly 30 minutes later, officers say Loftis approached another woman in the 7900 block of Madison Avenue. He reportedly pointed a gun at her and demanded money. When she told him she didn’t have any cash, Loftis allegedly tried to grab her keys, sparking a struggle. During the altercation, the firearm discharged, striking the woman in the face.
Authorities said a 1-year-old child was present during the second attack. After shooting the victim, Loftis allegedly threw the toddler into the snow and fled in her car.
Police described the crime as a reckless act that endangered not only the victims but also the child at the scene.
“This brazen and reckless act placed not only the victim’s life at risk, but also endangered a child who was present during the incident,” Cleveland police said in a statement.
Loftis was arrested soon after and is currently being held pending further court proceedings.