Cleveland Man Indicted on Multiple Cases for Robbing His Brother at Knifepoint; Attempting to Run Over Victims at Graduation Party

CLEVELAND – Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a grand jury has indicted Rickey Adkins, 50, on charges for robbing his brother, 72, at knifepoint and attempting to run over victims celebrating a graduation party.

“These violent and overtly racist attacks will not be tolerated,” said Prosecutor O’Malley. “It is a miracle that no one was seriously injured by such outrageous actions.”

Adkins has been indicted on the following charges:

• Two counts of Felonious Assault
• One count of Aggravated Robbery
• One count of Robbery
• One count of Aggravated Burglary
• One count of Burglary
• One count of Domestic Violence
• One count of Grand Theft
• One count of Failure To Comply
• One count of Ethnic Intimidation

On January 7, 2020, Adkins forced entry into his brother’s residence on Riverside Avenue near West 35th Street in Cleveland. He pushed him to the ground, held a knife to his throat, and stole cash and car keys before fleeing the scene in the victim’s vehicle. Shortly after, Ohio State Highway Patrol attempted to pull over Adkins on Interstate-77 for several traffic violations, but he refused. A brief pursuit ensued but was called off due to public safety concerns as Adkins reached speeds over 100 mph.

On June 21, 2020, multiple people gathered outside a residence for a graduation party on Riverside Avenue near West 32nd Street. During this time, Adkins drove his vehicle onto their front lawn in an attempt to run them over while yelling racial slurs. He fled the scene before police arrived.

The Cleveland Division of Police investigated, connected Adkins to the crimes, and arrested him the following day on June 22.  

Adkins is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, July 24, at 8:30 a.m. at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.