Task force offering reward for capture of slaying suspect

3/22/2014
BLADE STAFF
Hoskins
Hoskins

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force announced on Friday a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of Tyrone Hoskins, Jr., the city's only at-large murder suspect.

Mr. Hoskins, 23, is wanted for murder with gang and gun specifications in the Feb. 2 shooting death of Michael Williams, Jr., 24, who was shot at Ottawa Drive and Auburn Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Hoskins is also charged with participating in a criminal gang.

Rishad Williams, 21, Toledo, who is also charged with murder with gang and gun specifications and participating in a criminal gang in connection with the death, turned himself in to Toledo police.

Mr. Williams pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court and was held in the county jail in lieu of $1 million bond. He has an April 9 pretrial hearing.

U.S. Deputy Marshal Rodney Hartzell said Mr. Hoskins is no longer in the Toledo area, but authorities do not otherwise know his location.

Mr. Hoskins is black and described by authorities as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighing 250 pounds. He has a tattoo that reads “GATES rip” and another that reads “Melinda” with a rose.

Police ask anyone with information about Mr. Hoskins' whereabouts to call the Crime Stopper program at 419-255-1111, or Deputy Hartzell at 1-866-492-6833.

Callers can remain anonymous.