22-09066-Homicide, 22-08982-Robbery
On 09/28/2022 at approximately 6:23 AM, officers of Williamsport Bureau of Patrol Division responded to a shots fired call at 884 W Fourth St, first floor. Upon arrival officers located a toddler aged child walking outside of the residence in pajamas. The toddler had blood on their clothing which did not belong to the toddler. Within the residence, officers located a deceased female shooting victim and mother of the toddler who was identified as HEATHER COHICK, resident of the first floor apartment. At that time forensic services units and Agents with the Investigation Unit responded and began conducting further investigation.
At approximately 12:06 pm that same day, police were dispatched to a report of a disturbance with a gun. Penn College Police Department units also responded to this call and upon arrival, one of the responding Penn College Police Officers located the involved actor who began firing several times at the officer. The actor was taken into custody at that time and identified as TYREE CLEVELAND. A canvas of CLEVELAND'S flight path yielded the recovery of two firearms, one of which was utilized to shoot at the Penn College officer which was later confirmed through forensic analysis.
Through the execution of numerous search warrants, interviews and forensic and ballistic testing, it was confirmed that one of the firearms in CLEVELAND'S possession was also the firearm utilized earlier in the morning of 9/28/2022 during the homicide of HEATHER COHICK. Search warrants and analysis of COHICK'S cell phone records also confirmed that COHICK had been in touch with CLEVELAND numerous times leading up to the time of COHICK'S homicide.
Additionally, while investigating contact between COHICK and CLEVELAND police learned that COHICK'S vehicle had been reported as stolen by COHICK by CLEVELAND. CLEVELAND was also identified on surveillance cameras from Family Dollar on W Fourth St during the commission of an armed robbery which took place at Family Dollar on Sunday, September 25, 2022. CLEVELAND is also observed on surveillance camera wearing distinct clothing items which he was also wearing when shooting at the Penn College Officer.
On 03/09/2023 TYREE CLEVELAND was arraigned before MDJ Frey on charges of homicide as well as armed robbery and related offenses from both incidents. During arraignment TYREE stated "I'm guilty on all charges, I'll take life sentence no death penalty". CLEVELAND was committed to Lycoming County Prison after being denied bail.
Williamsport City Police would like to thank the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania College of Technology Police department for their assistance in this investigation.
