Ohio Man Smashed Cleveland Store Window During Protests: FBI

CLEVELAND — A Northeast Ohio man has been accused of breaking the window of a store in downtown Cleveland during the May 30 protests.

Tandre Buchanan, 22, from Cleveland, has been accused of breaking a plate glass window at the Colossal Cupcakes store on Euclid Avenue. The public helped identify Buchanan, the FBI said.

"Tandre Buchanan, Jr. crossed the line of what was supposed to be a peaceful protest in Cleveland on May 30th and engaged in criminal activity. Buchanan violated the rights of a fellow Clevelander by breaking into her business, destroying her property, and terrifying her and her employees as they hid inside," said Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith.

On May 30, a protest against police brutality turned violent in downtown Cleveland. Protesters hurled rocks and other items at police, law enforcement vehicles were set on fire, several storefronts were vandalized and other damage was done to the city. Police responded with tear gas.

On June 10, the FBI released a series of surveillance photo images of four unidentified people who they said played a role in the destruction on May 30. Within 30 minutes of the photos being made public, tips poured in identifying Buchanan, the FBI said.

Buchanan is accused of using a stool to repeatedly smash a plate glass window at Colossal Cupcakes, the criminal complaint filed against him said.

On June 11, a federal arrest warrant was obtained for Buchanan. He was taken into custody at his workplace in Garfield Heights. He will make his initial appearance in court on Friday.

"At this moment, our federal, state, and local partners are committed to ensuring that those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights have a full opportunity to do so, and part of that commitment requires us to hold accountable those who marred an otherwise peaceful protest on May 30," said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.

The FBI is looking for tips on other people who participated in vandalism or violent unrest during the May 30 protests. Tips can be provided to Cleveland police, the Cleveland FBI or Crime Stoppers.