CLEVELAND — A Cleveland police officer — identified as 27-year-old Jamieson Ritter — was killed in an overnight shooting.
Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd confirmed the news during a press conference shortly before 7 a.m., saying the officer was with the department for the past four years assigned to the Third District.
"This is a really tough situation, and it's hitting everyone really hard," Todd said during the press conference.
'IT'S ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING': Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd speaks after officer dies in shooting
OFFICER RITTER
Ritter graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. As a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, he served with the 134th Field Artillery Regiment. After joining the Cleveland Division of Police in November 2020, Ritter deployed to Syria in 2022 with his unit and returned to continue his service with the city of Cleveland in 2023.
He was recently recognized as Officer of the Month.
DETAILS OF THE SHOOTING AND SUSPECT
Todd said officers had received a call to respond to the 1500 block of East 80th "for a male wanted for a felonious assault from a local suburb."
"Officers arrived on scene and attempted to make contact with the male," she explained. "The male did exit the house and tried to leave the area on a bicycle. Officers attempted to arrest the male when the male produced a firearm and began firing multiple times. One of our members was struck by one of those bullets. He was transported to the hospital and he did expire at the hospital from his injuries."
The suspect — identified as 24-year-old De'Lawnte Hardy — has been arrested. He was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure, but Todd said he had no injuries.
Cleveland police say Hardy has been charged with aggravated murder.
RELATED: Suspect identified, charged with aggravated murder in shooting death of Cleveland police officer
'SHOW OUR SUPPORT TO OUR OFFICERS'
Todd asked the community to keep Cleveland's law enforcement in their prayers.
"Our men and women are out there every day," she said. "You see, they don’t always get the recognition that they deserve. There’s always stories out there that are criticizing their work or criticizing our staffing. But they go out there, they work hard, they risk their lives, they risk everything they have to protect the community and they care about the community. I hope that this is another time to show our support to our officers. They need it. They deserve it. I think that someone is criticizing of them needs to go away. They need to be recognized for the heroes that they are."
As for the officer's family, the chief said she had talked with them several times prior to the press conference.
"I can't even begin to express how they feel. It's absolutely devastating. ... There's nothing that I can say to them that's going to make it better, but I can tell you that we will 100% be there for them and support them."
PAYING RESPECTS
The video below shows the procession held early Thursday morning after officer Jamieson was killed:
Flags outside of the Third District were lowered in the officer's honor, which you can see in the photos below:
As 3News' Matt Rascon was finishing up a report during 3News at 4, he noticed a man who placed additional flags at the Third District site, then knelt down to pray.
The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association also released a statement reading, "It's a loss for his family, law enforcement and the City of Cleveland. We are all devastated."
There will be a memorial service Monday at 10 a.m. from the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist downtown, with the funeral to take place out of state. In addition, some of Ritter's fellow officers will hold a memorial run in his honor Saturday at 9 a.m.
MAYOR JUSTIN BIBB STATEMENT
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb was also at the press conference where he issued a brief statement.
"We just ask the residents in Cleveland to pray for this family, pray for the men and women of our police department — especially as we celebrate this Fourth of July holiday and the freedom that we have in this country," Mayor Bibb said. "That freedom depends on the men and women of our police department. Not just in Cleveland, but all across the nation. So, Cleveland, let's uplift the men and women of our police department."
Then, shortly before 8 a.m., Bibb issued the following written statement:
"I am heartbroken about the devastating loss of one of our Cleveland Division of Police officers today. Our entire city mourns the tragic loss of this dedicated public servant.
"We will fully support the investigation and ensure that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.
"My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer. Please pray for his family and the Cleveland Division of Police as we mourn this senseless loss."
GOV. MIKE DEWINE ORDERS FLAGS LOWERED
On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Cuyahoga County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus from today until sunset on the day of Officer Ritter's funeral.
DeWine also issued the below statement:
"Fran and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, who not only dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Cleveland but also served his state and nation as a member of the Ohio National Guard. On this Independence Day, this tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement and military members make in support of freedom and public safety."
REACTION FROM U.S. SENATORS
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) posted the below on X (formerly Twitter):
"Early this morning, Cleveland tragically lost one of our bravest in the line of duty. He selflessly gave his life to keep our city safe — our hearts go out to his family, his friends, and all his colleagues on the force."
On Friday, fellow U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) posted the following on the same platform:
"Cleveland lost a remarkable young officer, killed in the line of duty by a violent criminal.
"May God rest the soul of Jamieson Ritter. To his friends and family: we are so sorry, and so very grateful for Officer Ritter."
AREA MEMBERS OF CONGRESS REACT
U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) released the following statement about the death of Officer Ritter:
"I am deeply saddened by the devastating loss of Officer Jamieson Ritter and my prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the men and women of the Cleveland Division of Police.
"Officer Ritter made the ultimate sacrifice for our community and justice must be done. It is truly tragic to see a young man taken from us too soon. In May, Officer Ritter was named Officer of the Month by the Cleveland Police Foundation, for three heroic actions taken in this year alone. Officer Ritter was someone who saved lives and helped those in need.
"It is beyond heartbreaking that we have lost an officer in the line of duty, a powerful and sober reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to protect us."
Here was a statement we received from Rep. Max Miller (R-OH-7):
"Our hearts are heavy with this news. Thoughts and prayers for the fallen officer, family & friends. Grateful for the service of all who put themselves on the line for us daily."
CLEVELAND CITY COUNCIL "EXPRESSES PROFOUND SORROW"
Cleveland City Council provided the below release after Officer Ritter's death, including statements from several individual members:
"The entire Council expresses profound sorrow upon learning of the passing of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter. Officer Ritter was fatally shot while on duty near East 80th and Wade Park early this morning.
"Council President Blaine A. Griffin remarked, 'This is an immense tragedy not only for the officer’s family and friends but also for the Division of Police and the city of Cleveland. We extend our sincerest sympathies to his family.'
(Griffin spoke with 3News' Russ Mitchell on Thursday afternoon.)
"Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones conveyed, 'I am deeply grieved by the devastating loss of Officer Ritter, a devoted public servant. His valor and dedication to ensuring the safety of our community will be forever remembered. My deepest condolences are with Officer Ritter's family, friends, colleagues, and the Third District family.'
"'It is with great sorrow that we mourn the loss of Officer Ritter who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community. His selfless dedication and bravery will forever be remembered,' shared Councilman Mike Polensek, chair of Council’s Safety Committee. 'We stand in solidarity with the Cleveland Police members as we grieve this devastating loss.'"
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