On February 20, 2025, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office SWAT team responded to a request for assistance from the Cleveland Police Department in capturing a suspect who had been recklessly discharging a high-caliber rifle within the city limits, posing a serious threat to nearby residents.
The individual, 45-year-old Desmond Deandra Cruse, was already a violent fugitive wanted for felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon at the time of this incident.
MCSO SWAT team members successfully apprehended Cruse without incident and promptly transferred him to the Cleveland Police Department to address his outstanding warrants and face new charges. We extend our gratitude to the MCSO Real Time Crime Center for their exceptional work in gathering and conveying critical information to SWAT and Crisis Negotiators, as well as for their vital support during the operation.
On Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in the Early morning the Cleveland Police Department received multiple reports of gunfire in the 700 block of Earnest Carrington Sr. Avenue.
At 1:56 am Cleveland police officers reportedly observed Desmond Deandra Cruse standing near the roadway in the 700 block of Earnest Carrington Sr. Avenue, holding an AK-47-style rifle. Officers were aware that Cruse had an active warrant for aggravated assault after allegedly pointing a rifle at a citizen the previous day. Upon seeing officers, Cruse allegedly ran into his residence, located on the same block where the gunshots had been reported.
Officers surrounded the residence but were unable to make contact with Cruse, who had barricaded himself inside. Due to Cruse being armed and multiple reports of gunfire in the area, the Montgomery County SWAT team was called to assist in the arrest.
At 10:31 am Montgomery County SWAT members apprehended Cruse in front of his residence without incident. Cleveland police investigators then obtained a search warrant from Liberty County 253rd District Judge Chap Cain. Upon executing the warrant, investigators located two rifles, one handgun, and approximately 13 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution in a bedroom.
We are thankful that no one was injured and that Mr. Cruse was arrested without incident. However, Mr. Cruse’s total disregard for our citizens. and officers safety is alarming. We are hopeful that all considerations of Mr. Cruse’s dangerous actions will be weighed during his court proceedings, said Cleveland Police Capt. Scott Felts.
Cleveland police credited the swift actions of investigators, who obtained an arrest warrant within hours of the initial reports, leading to Cruse’s apprehension.
The city of Cleveland has annexed property in Montgomery County, strengthening its relationship with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle, who previously served as a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper and Texas Ranger in both Liberty and Montgomery counties for more than 20 years, has been a longtime ally of the department. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s SWAT team, led by Lt. L.T. Goldsby, has also provided training and assistance to Cleveland police.
This team effort led to a peaceful outcome in a high-risk situation,” said Felts.
Liberty County Precinct 6 constables, the Cleveland Fire Department, and Allegiance EMS also assisted in the operation.
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