Cleveland Police Officer Shot to Death – Mercer County Outlook

(7-4-24) The Cleveland Police Department announced that Delawnte Hardy, 24, has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Officer Jamieson Ritter, 27, this morning in the Hough neighborhood.

Police Chief Dorothy Todd is quoted in the press release-

“Today is a sad day for our city. Ironically, on this day set aside for freedom, we are reminded of the evil that seeks to impose itself upon our community. Yet, despite our pain and suffering, we acknowledge the tremendous sacrifice that Officer Ritter made and will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts.”

Officers responded to a report of a man wanted for assault. The suspect attempted to flee on a bicycle, then pulled out a gun and began shooting.

Ritter was a four-year police veteran.