Police Officer Murdered. Cleveland Police Officer Fatally Shot on Duty.
Cleveland, OH - On the early morning of the Fourth of July, a Cleveland police officer was tragically shot and killed while on duty on the city’s east side. Officer Jamieson Ritter, a 27-year-old and a recent recipient of the Officer of the Month award, lost his life during an altercation with a suspect in the 1500 block of East 80th Street near Wade Park.
All of our great interviews are available as a free podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or most major podcast platforms. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, MeWe and other social media platforms.
The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. when officers responded to a report of a man wanted for felonious assault. The suspect, was identified as 24-year-old who's name we won't provide, attempted to flee on a bicycle before pulling out a gun and opening fire. Officer Ritter was struck by one of the bullets and was transported to University Hospitals, where he succumbed to his injuries.
(We have a policy of NOT giving any publicity to criminal suspects. Instead we should honor Officer Jamieson Ritter and his family.)
In a press conference held at 6:30 a.m., Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd expressed the department’s grief and emphasized the bravery and dedication of their officers. “Our men and women out there every day, stories criticizing their work, they work hard. They risk their lives. They risk everything they have to protect the community,” Chief Todd said. She highlighted the profound impact of Officer Ritter’s death on the force, describing it as a “very tough situation” for all involved.
Police Officer Murdered. Cleveland Police Officer Fatally Shot on Duty. Listen to numerous episodes of the radio show as a free podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website or most major podcast platforms.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb joined Chief Todd in mourning the loss and called for the community to support the police force during this difficult time. “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 stated. He underscored the essential role of law enforcement in maintaining the city’s safety and security.
Following the tragic event, a solemn procession of police motorcycles and officers escorted a van from University Hospitals, honoring the fallen officer. Cleveland Police Union President Andy Gasiewski remarked on the sorrow felt by the entire community, calling it “a very sad day for the officer’s family, his family in blue, and the City of Cleveland.” Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, MeWe, Pinterest and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news.
The suspect, who we won't name, was taken into custody and booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail, faces charges of aggravated murder. Mayor Bibb assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and that justice would be served. “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,” he said in a written statement. Police Officer Murdered. Cleveland Police Officer Fatally Shot on Duty.
As Cleveland grapples with this profound loss, the community is called to remember the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and to stand in solidarity with those who protect and serve.
For more details on law enforcement topics and the complexities of trauma recovery, tune in to the nationally syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show or listen to their free podcast series. Follow on us on Facebook, Instagram, and numerous other social media platforms for updates and new episodes.
Police Officer Murdered. Cleveland Police Officer Fatally Shot on Duty.
Attributions
