Judge finds man guilty of stabbing Orange police officer

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A 28-year-old man was found guilty Tuesday of stabbing an Orange Village police officer at a hotel in 2022.

Cameron Howard’s bench trial in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Shannon Gallagher began on Jan. 8.

Judge Gallagher found Howard guilty of two counts of felonious assault on a police officer, one count of attempted murder and one count of attempted aggravated murder.

Howard attacked Sergeant Mike Debeljak at the Extended Stay America Hotel in the 3800 block of Orange Pl. on March 30, 2022.

Sgt. Debeljak was called to the hotel for an unwanted guest that was being disrespectful to staff.

When he arrived, Howard produced an edged weapon and attacked Sgt. Debeljak without warning or provocation.

Sgt. Debeljak was able to subdue Howard with his taser and then took him into custody. according to Orange Village Lt. Mike Roberts.

Both Howard and Sgt. Debeljak were transported to local hospitals and treated for their injuries.

According to a GoFundMe account set up for the officer, Sgt. Debeljak was struck several times with a knife in the head, face, neck, upper chest and left hand. He also suffered a fractured skull and lost a lot of blood.

Howard will be sentenced on March 4.