CLEVELAND — Two Cleveland police officers have each been charged with felonies in connection with two separate cases, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Joseph Patterson
Authorities say police recruit Joseph Patterson, 24, was arrested for a sexual assault that allegedly happened on Feb. 29 in University Heights. According to UHPD, Patterson is facing eight count of gross sexual imposition, one count of kidnapping and one count of attempted rape. He has since been suspended without pay pending the adjudication of his case.
Patterson was hired in August 2019 and was part of the 145th Cleveland Police Academy class, according to authorities.
His bond was set at $350,000.
John Hawk
The other officer, John Hawk, 40, was relieved from duty and placed on unpaid administrative leave after he was charged Wednesday with felonious assault.
A statement of fact released Thursday states that on Wednesday, while in Cleveland, Hawk struck a person in the face, causing a nasal fracture. He was arrested about 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Hawk was hired by the department in 2018. He was most recently assigned to the Fourth District precinct.
Authorities have not provided any additional information regarding the specifics of each case. Court information for Patterson and Hawk was not immediately available.
