Cleveland, OH – The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force started the week off on a positive note with the apprehension of last week’s Fugitive Of The Week, Eric Williams. Williams has been on the run and eluding the authorities for the past few weeks. Williams was wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s office on 3 counts of rape, gross sexual imposition, and kidnapping.

After exhaustive efforts of the taskforce the details of the investigation led the U.S. Marshals to a residence in the Lakewood, Ohio area. Williams was apprehended in an apartment this afternoon at approximately 1:30 PM without incident. An unidentified female was also placed under arrest as well during the apprehension.

Williams has an extensive criminal history which includes offenses for drug possession, drug trafficking, theft, and numerous probation violations. Williams is a 30 year old black male standing approximately 5’09”, and weighing 175 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Williams was known to frequent the east side of Cleveland, specifically the areas of E 105th St. and Pierport Ave.

Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Deserto states, “This fugitive was truly a menace to society and the community is a much safer place with him in custody. I applaud the efforts of all of our task force officers for working so diligently to bring this fugitive to justice.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force in Cuyahoga County is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Linndale Police Department, Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Coast Guard.