Federal Task Force Offers Cash Reward for Capture of Cleveland Fugitive Accused of Attempted Murder

U.S. Marshals are searching for Xavier Smith, a Cleveland fugitive wanted for attempted murder and kidnapping. A cash reward is available for tips.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 11:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WOIO

Federal Manhunt Intensifies for Violent Northeast Ohio Fugitive

The U.S. Marshals Service has escalated its search for a high profile fugitive suspected of committing a string of violent crimes throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area. According to a formal announcement from the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force on March 23, law enforcement agencies are now offering a financial incentive to any individual who provides actionable information leading to the arrest of Xavier Smith. This strategic move aims to leverage community intelligence to track down a suspect who has successfully evaded capture despite being linked to a series of dangerous felony allegations.

A Comprehensive Profile of Alleged Criminal Misconduct

Xavier Smith is the subject of an intensive investigation involving a wide array of severe criminal charges that underscore a volatile history. Beyond the primary warrant for attempted murder, federal investigators indicate that Smith is also wanted for felonious assault and strangulation. The legal documents associated with his search further detail allegations of domestic violence and kidnapping, creating a portrait of a suspect whose alleged activities represent a multifaceted danger to public safety. The task force has emphasized the urgency of this search, given the violent nature of the charges pending against the fugitive.

Physical Description and Regional Search Parameters

To assist the public in identifying the suspect, the U.S. Marshals have released specific physical identifiers and behavioral patterns. Smith is described as standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. While federal agents have not specified a singular location for his current hideout, they have confirmed that he frequently inhabits various neighborhoods within Cleveland. This regional familiarity suggests that Smith may be utilizing local connections or known residences to remain under the radar, prompting authorities to focus their surveillance on the greater Northeast Ohio corridor.