Feb. 25, 2017: Transit Police participate in community event

RTA will participate in a major community event from 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 25, at the E-Prep Woodland Hills Campus, 9201 Crane Ave. The site is served by RTA bus routes 10 and 15.

Feb 13, 2017

CLEVELAND -- The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is one of many local agencies that will participate in a major community resource event from 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 25, 2017, at the E-Prep Woodland Hills Campus, 9201 Crane Ave. The site is served by RTA bus routes 10 and 15.

The event is titled, Creating Deeper Connection - Community Solutions, and carries the quote, "Our students count on us to stand with them." It is a community response to the recent death of Alianna DeFreeze, who disappeared while on her way to school -- the same school that is hosting the event.

How RTA is involved

Alianna was last seen leaving an RTA bus. Transit Police supported Cleveland Police in their investigation, especially in analyzing security camera footage from RTA buses.

  • Transit Police Commander Michael Gettings will speak. A number of other officers will attend.
  • Transit Police will conduct Operation Kidwatch at the event, photographing children, taking their fingerprints and issuing ID cards.

The meeting will give the community a chance to hear from public and private officials on initiatives in the East 93rd Street Corridor, and allow for public discussion on recent events. More than 500 people are expected to attend.

While the meeting is in progress, information tables with community and public safety resources will be available in the school hallway.

Expected to attend:

  • City and State elected officials.
  • Cleveland Police.
  • Mental health providers.
  • Faith institutions.
  • Community development corporations.
  • Cleveland Municipal School District officials.

Media contact:

Linda Scardilli Krecic

216-356-3104
216-390-9605, cell