Ohio Man Charged With Shooting At Homeland Security Agents

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man has been accused of shooting at federal agents, the Department of Justice announced Monday. Reuben Rankin was charged in federal court with assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon.

“This defendant is alleged to have shot at federal and local law enforcement during the execution of a search warrant,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We are grateful that no law enforcement officer was injured, and we stand by this very simple point – if you shoot at law enforcement investigating federal crimes, you can expect swift and severe charges in federal court.”

Rankin, 34, also faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and use of a firearm in a crime of violence. The Department of Justice released a criminal complaint against Rankin on Monday afternoon.

According to the complaint, on October 30, Homeland Security agents went to a house on Dove Avenue in Cleveland. They were attempting to execute a search warrant at the home. As they approached, six gunshots were fired from a 2011 Mercedes-Benz. Homeland Security agents returned fire at the car.

Rankin then got out of the car and was taken into custody, the complaint said.

Agents found a Kahr .45-caliber handgun and six spent shell casings in the Mercedes-Benz.

Rankin is barred from having a gun because of previous convictions for witness intimidation, domestic violence, burglary, aggravated assault and abduction, the affidavit said.

“The attempted shooting of HSI special agents is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with serving in law enforcement today,” said Vance Callender, HSI special agent in charge for Michigan and Ohio. “My agents rightfully defended themselves, protecting their fellow officers and the citizenry. There were several actions the agents took which demonstrated their bravery in the face of imminent danger. I am proud and honored to work with some of the finest special agents in the country.”