CINCINNATI — At least six vehicles were struck by suspects throwing rocks or concrete from or near overpasses in parts of downtown Cincinnati, police said.
Cincinnati police are investigating reports of vehicular vandalism that occurred on Sunday at about 5 a.m., and Wednesday at about 4:20 a.m.
Police said a suspect, or suspects, threw “rocks, concrete, or other large objects” in the following areas:
- Interstate 75 between 5th and 9th streets
- Fort Washington Way
Sgt. Eric Franz said the general area where the crimes occurred is near the 6th Street overpass. All of the drivers were headed northbound.
“They all were headed in the same direction so we know for a fact they’re launching them from somewhere and able to hit the cars out in the roadway,” Franz said.
Two drivers reported damage on Sunday morning. At least four drivers called 911 Wednesday morning but only two remained on scene to file police reports.
No one was hurt but there was extensive damage to some of the victims’ cars. According to Franz, these crimes can cause extensive injuries to drivers or passengers.
“Throwing a rock at a car going 55 miles an hour will kill somebody,” he said. “At the very minimum it’s gonna do some serious damage to the car.”
Damage to the vehicles involved, at least two trucks and two cars, included broken windshields and structural damage.
Franz advises drivers in the area to slow down if they see anyone suspicious near the interstate. It’s unclear if the rocks are being thrown from an overpass or from the side of the road.
“If you know who’s doing this, let us know. It needs to stop immediately. We don’t want anybody ending up in the hospital,” Franz said.
Additional patrols will be in the area at night, and investigators are working to determine the path in which the rocks were thrown.
Following any arrests, charges will be determined by prosecutors, but Franz said felonious assault charges are possible.
“I don’t know any judges out there that’s gonna let somebody walk away from this without some sort of punishment,” he said.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Cincinnati police investigators at 513-352-4568 or call 911.
