Cleveland Man Indicted for Firing Shotgun in Euclid Carjacking

A Cleveland man was indicted in federal court for firing a shotgun during a carjacking in Euclid, law enforcement officials said.

Cody M. Coats, 25, was charged in a three-count indictment with carjacking, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Coats used an Itahca short-barreled shotgun when he carjacked someone and stole their 2005 Chrysler Crossfire outside a Euclid bar on Aug. 14, 2017, according to the indictment.

He ultimately crashed the car on East 222nd Street near Lakeshore Boulevard following a police chase and was arrested.

Coats possessed a shotgun and 20 12-gauge shotgun shells despite a prior conviction for burglary, according to the indictment.

“In the course of committing a robbery, this defendant fired a shotgun and crashed a stolen car near a busy intersection,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will work with all of our law enforcement partners to ensure violent individuals with firearms cannot prey on law-abiding citizens.”

“ATF is committed to combating gun violence in our communities,” said Trevor Velinor, ATF Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, including the Euclid Police Department, to arrest violent criminals and make our communities safer.”

“We are pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has adopted this case,” Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer said. “The officers and detectives of the Euclid Police Department did an outstanding job with the apprehension and investigation. We must all work together to send the message that violent crime will not be tolerated in our communities.”

This case was investigated by the ATF and Euclid Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Joseph M. Pinjuh.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.