Cleveland Man Shot While Trying to Stop Carjacking

Victim recounts traumatic experience, hopes for more police presence in neighborhood

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A local man in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood, identified only as Christopher, was recently shot while trying to stop an armed carjacking attempt on his sister's vehicle. The incident, captured on a home security camera, left Christopher wounded but alive, though he says the experience has been deeply traumatizing, reminding him of his brother's previous shooting death.

Why it matters

Carjackings and violent crime continue to be an issue in many urban neighborhoods, with residents often feeling unsafe and powerless to protect their property. This story highlights the difficult choices and lasting impacts on victims who try to intervene, as well as the need for increased security measures and police presence to deter such incidents.

The details

In the security footage, Christopher is seen confronting the would-be carjackers, attempting to scare them away, when an exchange of gunfire erupted, leaving him wounded. Christopher said his first thought was of his brother's previous shooting death, fearing he would suffer the same fate. Though he survived, Christopher said the traumatic experience will stay with him forever.

  • The carjacking attempt occurred recently in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood.

The players

Christopher

A local Cleveland resident who was shot while trying to stop an armed carjacking attempt on his sister's vehicle.

Sergeant Freddy Diaz

A Cleveland Police officer investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely scary and traumatizing for sure. I don't wish this on nobody.”

— Christopher (news5cleveland.com)

“About seven or eight years ago, my brother, he got shot and killed, unfortunately, and I instantly seen the blood squirting, and I just started thinking about that like I'm going to die.”

— Christopher (news5cleveland.com)

“A lot of people said that they would've just let them take it, but like I said, that wasn't running through my head at the time, and I just wanted to scare them away just because of how hard it is for her.”

— Christopher (news5cleveland.com)

What’s next

Detectives are still investigating the incident and trying to identify the would-be carjackers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the difficult choices and lasting trauma victims face when trying to protect their property, as well as the ongoing need for improved security measures and increased police presence in high-crime neighborhoods to deter such violent incidents.