Ohio St. football coach carjacked in Cleveland

CLEVELAND — Ohio State football tight ends coach Keenan Bailey was the victim of a carjacking Monday near Ginn Academy on the city’s east side that resulted in a police chase and the arrests of four youths.

Bailey, 28, was not harmed in the incident and has resumed recruiting, a team spokesperson said. The incident was part of a carjacking spree by four youths, ages 15 to 18. They were arrested after a chase that involved a police helicopter.

Authorities said the youths robbed Bailey at gunpoint, stealing his Dodge Durango. The youths then attempted to carjack two women, but the pair drove away from the attack, according to authorities. A police chase ensued, and the four youths were arrested.

The youths were expected to be charged Tuesday.

Bailey is in his first year as a full-time assistant but has been on staff in various capacities since 2016.

Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek, who is on the board of the Ginn Academy, said the incident involving the coach happened in the school’s parking lot while classes were in session, early in the afernoon.

He said he was notified after a Cleveland municipal court judge caled him late Monday night as he was leaving another meeting about crime in the community.

“I’m disgusted about it. It’s bad enough that this crime took place in our community but in an area that has little crime,” Polensek said.

Officers responded to a call of a vehicle taken at gunpoint at 2:02 p.m. Monday. The Cleveland police helicopter helped officers locate the vehicle, which police say was driving erratically and a high speeds.

When officers located it, four suspects fled on foot. They were taken into custody without incident. A firearm suspected of being used in the robbery was recovered at the scene.

Ginn Academy is an allboys school founded by Glenville football and track and field coach Ted Ginn Sr. Ohio State has been recruiting more Glenville players in recent years. Arvell Reese is in his first season with the program. Cornerback Bryce West and tight end Demarion Witten are both committed to the 2024 signing class and are expected to sign with the Buckeyes