Cleveland artist assaulted by teen fleeing police, closes gallery

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Jerry Shmidt was in tears as he announced he was closing his Cleveland art gallery, where he had operated for more than 20 years, all because he no longer felt safe.

On Saturday he was attacked by a teenager who was fleeing the police.

Euclid police said the boy and three others crashed into a patrol car before embarking on a high-speed chase into Cleveland.

“He jumped over my fence. I got up to see where the noise was coming from and I got up. He started running towards me. At that point, I had a gun on him to make him lie down. He got down on his knees to get his gun. By the grace of God, I was able to tackle him and get his gun. My friend got his gun. Then he went back in his pocket and got another gun. And then the police came and took him away,” Schmidt said.

Euclid police commend Schmidt for arresting the teen. Schmidt calls for an end to the violence in his Collinwood neighborhood.

“That was the period after the question mark. It's time for me to move on, live outside and enjoy life,” Schmidt said.

A farewell that would not have happened if people had respected the laws. But today, this artist hangs up his apron and puts down his tools in a place where violence should never exist, but where it unfortunately did.

To purchase Schmidt's works, click here.

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