Cleveland man charged in federal court after allegedly shooting at agents

A Cleveland man was charged in federal court after allegedly firing at federal agents.

Reuben Rankin, 34, was charged with one count of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court:

Homeland Security Investigations approached a house on Dove Avenue in Cleveland on October 30 to execute a search warrant. Agents observed six shots fired from a 2011 Mercedes-Benz and an HSI agent returned fire. Rankin exited the vehicle and was arrested.

Law enforcement officials recovered a Kahr .45-caliber handgun and six spent shell casings from the vehicle.

Rank was previously convicted of witness intimidation, domestic violence, burglary, aggravated assault and abduction, according to the affidavit.

“This defendant is alleged to have shot at federal and local law enforcement during the execution of a search warrant,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.  “We are grateful that no law enforcement officer was injured, and we stand by this very simple point – if you shoot at law enforcement investigating federal crimes, you can expect swift and severe charges in federal court.”

“The attempted shooting of HSI special agents is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with serving in law enforcement today,” said Vance Callender, HSI special agent in charge for Michigan and Ohio. “My agents rightfully defended themselves, protecting their fellow officers and the citizenry.  There were several actions the agents took which demonstrated their bravery in the face of imminent danger.  I am proud and honored to work with some of the finest special agents in the country.”

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein.

A charge is only an allegation and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.