Youngstown Homicide Suspect Arrested in New Hope, Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN – Late last night, The United States Marshals Service (USMS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Vashaud May, 21.  May was wanted by the Youngstown Police Department (YPD) for homicide.

According to YPD, on April 26, 2022, May chased down the victim while driving in the 3800 block of Mohawk Ave. in Youngstown.  Dozens of rounds were fired and 24-year-old Rawsheem Aponte was killed.  Two other people, including a toddler were injured in the shooting.  A warrant for May’s arrest was issued a few weeks after the incident.

Earlier in the week, the FBI Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force gathered information that May had fled from Ohio and was staying near Minneapolis, MN.  The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) worked with their counterparts in Minneapolis over the past few days and late last night May was located at an apartment in the 8300 block of Bass Lake Rd in New Hope, MN.  Initially, May refused to comply with officers and barricade himself in the apartment, however, he eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

“We applaud the collaborative work of our federal, state, and local partners who worked diligently to identify and find Vashaud May,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “His violent criminal actions affected not only Rawsheem Aponte and his family, but also the lives of many others, including those caught in the crossfire of this senseless violence. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to thwart violent crime and apprehend individuals engaging in criminal behavior.”

May will remain in custody in Minnesota until he can be extradited back to Youngstown to answer for the charges against him.          

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Fugitives think they can run and hide, and no one will find them, they don’t realize that law enforcement doesn’t give up.  They will be found, arrested, and brought to justice for the crimes they commit and the devastation they bring to our communities.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The NOVFTF Youngstown Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:  
Boardman Township Police Department, Campbell Police Department, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Township Police Department, Lordstown Village Police Department, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Health Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Salem Police Department, Trumbull County Adult Probation Department, Warren Police Department, Youngstown Police Department, and United States Marshals Service.