In the early hours of July 4th, Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter was shot and killed while responding to a call. The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. in the 1500 block of East 80th Street near Wade Park.
Officers had been dispatched to the area following a report of a man wanted for felonious assault. The suspect attempted to flee on a bicycle before pulling out a gun and opening fire. Officer Ritter, a four-year veteran of the police department, was fatally wounded in the exchange. He was 27 years old.
“Today is a sad day for our city,” said Police Chief Dorothy Todd in a news release. “Ironically, on this day designated for freedom, we are reminded of the evil that tries to impose on our community. However, despite our pain and hurt, we take in the immense sacrifice Officer Ritter gave, and we will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts. 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.”
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Delawnte Hardy, was apprehended and has been booked into the Cuyahoga County jail.
In honor of Officer Ritter’s life and service, Governor DeWine has 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 his funeral. All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
Governor DeWine issued the following 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.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also expressed his condolences: “This young officer was a selfless hero who served his community with favor and dedicated his life to restraining evil. The loss of an officer on a day when we celebrate the many freedoms of our country is a cruel reminder of the price paid by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe. My deepest condolences are with Officer Ritter’s loved ones and the Cleveland Police Department.”
Officer Ritter’s death marks a somber moment for the Cleveland community, particularly on a day meant to celebrate freedom and independence. The city mourns the loss of a dedicated officer who gave his life in the line of duty.
