By Amy Clausing
Herald Contributor
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters last week announced the indictment of two suspects relating to the shootings that occurred on Aug. 7 on Main Street in Over the Rhine.
Diablo McCoats, 29, was indicted for 16 counts of felonious assault and 1 count of having weapons while under disability. If convicted of all charges, McCoats faces a maximum possible sentence of 91 years in prison.
Jarvis Barnes, 34, was indicted for 7 counts of felonious assault and 1 count of having weapons while under disability. If convicted on all charges, Barnes faces a maximum possible sentence of 80 years in prison.
On Sunday, Aug. 7, at approximately 1:37 a.m., a physical altercation involving McCoats broke out on a crowded sidewalk in the 1300 block of Main Street. During that altercation, McCoats, as he was attempting to flee, pulled a firearm and fired multiple shots indiscriminately into the crowd.
Cincinnati Police Officer Joe Shook was across the street and fired a single shot at McCoats before McCoats was able to escape on foot.
After McCoats fled, another round of gunfire rang out. Barnes fired at least 7 shots across Main Street. Barnes fled the scene on foot.
A third shooter is believed to be involved, and has yet to be identified.
In total, eight victims suffered gunshot wounds. McCoats was struck in the leg by Officer Shook’s round. While fleeing the scene, a Good Samaritan drove McCoats to the hospital, believing he was a victim of the shooting.
If anyone has any information about this incident, contact Cincinnati Homicide Unit at (513) 352-3542. 230 East Ninth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Telephone (513) 946-3000 Fax (513) 946-3017 www.hcpros.org.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters commented, “The shooters opened fire into a crowded sidewalk right in front of the police. These violent criminals need to be identified and put in prison or this behavior will continue.
“If you think you can do this in Cincinnati, you’ve got the wrong city – and I can assure you, you have the wrong prosecutor.
“I want to commend the Cincinnati Police Department. Because of Officer Shook’s quick response, the diligence of the officers on scene, and the work of the Homicide Unit, we were able to quickly take two dangerous criminals off the streets. This was a chaotic crime scene – and I am thankful for their professionalism.”