Cleveland police are searching for several suspects after a New Year’s Eve shootout at E. 144th Street and Glendale Avenue caused a car to burst into flames.
Police report the incident took place just before 9 p.m., with residents on cell phones calling in a sustained exchange of gunfire by several suspects.
Cleveland police, the fire department and the bomb squad were called to the scene after a BMW burst into flames during the barrage of bullets.
Residents like Clarence Jackson said they witnessed the shootout and heard an explosion as the vehicle burst into flames.
"I mean pistols, a lot of guys shooting pistols were out here and all around," said Jackson. "I heard all of that shooting, that's why I really stayed in the house."
Cleveland police confirm one police cruiser was hit during the shootout, but that no one at the scene was injured.
Investigators continue their search for suspects as they go through the burnt remains of the vehicle.
Residents in the neighborhood who were too afraid to be identified said gunfire took place at the same intersection back in March of 2015, causing one family to move out.
"It's insane when you hit the floor and everything because of all these shots fired," said the resident. ”You shouldn't have to be inside your house scared."
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