Cleveland police officer fatally shot July 4

In the early morning hours of July 4, Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter was shot and killed while responding to a call just before 1 a.m. in the 1500 block of East 80th Street near Wade Park.

Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving a report of a man wanted for aggravated assault. The suspect attempted to flee on a bicycle, then pulled out a gun and opened 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,” Police Chief Dorothy Todd said in a news release. “Ironically, on this day of freedom, we are reminded of the evil that seeks to impose itself on 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. Our men and women who are out there every day, the stories that criticize their work, they work hard. They risk their lives. They risk everything they have to protect our community.”

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Delawnte Hardy, was arrested and booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail.

In honor of Officer Ritter’s life and service, Governor DeWine has ordered the United States and Ohio flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings and grounds in 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, at their discretion, lower the United States and Ohio flags to half-staff for the same period of time.

Governor DeWine issued the following statement: “Fran and I extend 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 for freedom and public safety.”

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also offered his condolences: “This young officer was a selfless hero who served his community with kindness and dedicated his life to stopping evil. The loss of an officer on a day when we celebrate our nation’s many freedoms is a cruel reminder of the price paid by those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe. My deepest condolences are with Officer Ritter’s loved ones and the Cleveland Police Department.”

The death of Officer Ritter marks a somber moment for the Cleveland community, especially on a day that celebrates freedom and independence. The city mourns the loss of a dedicated officer who gave his life in the line of duty.