Sharday Elder dies in fatal Cleveland car crash

Sharday Elder dies in fatal Cleveland car crash

Fatal Cleveland car crash death of Sharday Elder

A tragic crash on Cleveland’s east side, following a pursuit by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, has claimed the life of a mother of two. The incident left several individuals injured.

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the identity of the deceased as 37-year-old Sharday Elder, from Willoughby. She was an innocent driver struck by the suspect vehicle deputies were pursuing.

Her sister, Caerria Elder, expressed profound grief and anger. “My sister was innocent. She was innocent. I want my sister back,” she stated.

On the day after the incident, Caerria Elder was seen searching through wreckage near East 71st Street and Addison Road for her sister’s personal items. She shared her belief that the Sheriff’s Department shares responsibility for her sister’s death.

“The authorities responsible need to be held accountable,” Elder told a local news station.

According to the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s report, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle near St. Clair Avenue and East 13th Street at approximately 1:16 a.m. that Sunday. The driver was observed driving erratically without headlights and was suspected of driving under the influence.

After the driver failed to stop, deputies received authorization from a supervisor to begin a pursuit, as per department policy.

Approximately two minutes later, the pursuit vehicle collided with Sharday Elder’s car at Superior Avenue and Addison Road. Elder was transported to University Hospitals and later pronounced deceased.

The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Jaymore L. Whitaker. He was apprehended and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI), along with various traffic violations. Whitaker suffered minor injuries, while two passengers in his vehicle, a woman and a 16-year-old girl, suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized.

A booking photograph of Jaymore L. Whitaker is associated with the case by the Sheriff’s Department. Deputies reported finding multiple open alcoholic containers in Whitaker’s vehicle. One deputy involved in the pursuit was also injured and taken to the hospital.

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Internal Affairs Unit and Detective Bureau are investigating the incident, with support from the Cleveland Division of Police Accident Investigation Unit. Consultation with the County Prosecutor’s Office is underway.

This fatal crash has sparked discussion about the department’s pursuit policies. A similar policy review occurred in March after another innocent motorist died during a pursuit.

Caerria Elder faces an uncertain future, concerned about her niece and nephew. While grieving, she indicated she plans to pursue legal action. “The officer involved is at fault,” she asserted.

Cuyahoga County authorities announced Monday that two of the deputies taking part in the pursuit are on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. The county released its pursuit policy document.